By the WBWTN News Team | May 1, 2025
Following the death of Brazil’s Inah Canabarro Lucas, the title of the world’s oldest living person has officially passed to 115-year-old Ethel Caterham from the United Kingdom, according to the Gerontology Research Group (GRG).
Ethel, who was born on August 21, 1909, in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, has experienced significant historical events throughout her life. She grew up in Wiltshire as part of a large family with seven siblings.
In 1931, she was married to a British Army Officer Norman. The couple's life journey took them across various countries, including Hong Kong and Gibraltar. While in Hong Kong, Ethel played an important role in establishing a nursery for both local and British children. They eventually went back and settled in the UK, where they raised two daughters.
Ethel has lived in Surrey for more than five decades, staying active throughout her life. Even in her later years, she continued to drive until the age of 97. At 110, she famously overcame COVID-19, making her one of the few centenarians to recover from the virus.
The Gerontology Research Group officially confirmed her status as the world’s oldest living person after verifying her birthdate and other details, with the help of experts like Oliver Trim and Dr. Waclaw Jan Kroczek.
Inah Canabarro Lucas, passed away on April 30, 2025, at the age of 116 years and 326 days, ending her time as the world’s oldest living person.
Ethel Caterham, now the oldest known living person, continues to inspire with her remarkable life and legacy as the last known person born in 1909.
