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The 116-Year Secret: Who Is The World's Oldest Person Right Now And What Are Their Longevity Tips?

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The question of who holds the record for the world's oldest living person is a constantly shifting title, but as of December 2025, the crown belongs to a remarkable woman from the United Kingdom. This title, a beacon of human longevity, is currently held by Ethel May Caterham, a British supercentenarian who has surpassed the age of 116 years. Her incredible life spans three centuries and two world wars, making her one of the last surviving individuals born during the Edwardian era.

This article will delve into the verified age of the current record holder, explore her surprising secrets to a long life, and look back at the undisputed longest-living person in human history. The meticulous process of age validation by organizations like the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) and Guinness World Records ensures that every day lived by these supercentenarians is accurately documented and celebrated.

The World’s Oldest Living Person: Ethel May Caterham

The title of the world's oldest living person is a distinction that comes with rigorous verification. Following the passing of the previous title holder, Inah Canabarro Lucas of Brazil, in April 2025, Ethel May Caterham officially became the oldest verified person on Earth. Her life story is a fascinating journey through modern history, providing a unique perspective on the dramatic changes of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Ethel Caterham: Biography and Profile

  • Full Name: Ethel May Caterham (née Collins)
  • Date of Birth: 21 August 1909
  • Place of Birth: Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, United Kingdom
  • Current Age (as of December 2025): Over 116 years and 4 months
  • Historical Context: Last surviving Edwardian (born during the reign of King Edward VII)
  • Occupation: Worked as a secretary for the British Army during World War II
  • Family Life: Married to her husband, Clarence, and had two children. She is a grandmother and great-grandmother.
  • Current Residence: Resides in a care home in Surrey, England
  • Title Acquired: Became the World’s Oldest Living Person on 30 April 2025
  • Key to Longevity: A positive mental attitude and avoiding arguments.

Ethel Caterham's longevity is a testament to resilience. Born five years before the outbreak of World War I, she has lived through an astonishing period of technological and social change. Her life has been characterized by a quiet, steady demeanor, a trait she often credits for her extraordinary age.

Ethel Caterham’s Surprising Secrets to Longevity

When a person reaches the rare status of a supercentenarian—someone who has lived to or beyond the age of 110—the world is eager to know their "secret." Ethel Caterham’s advice is remarkably simple and focuses more on mental well-being than a strict diet or exercise regime, contrasting sharply with many modern health trends.

The Power of a Positive Mental Attitude

One of the most frequently cited pieces of advice from Ethel is the importance of a positive outlook. She has often stated that her long life is due, in part, to a simple philosophy: "Say yes to everything." This suggests a life lived with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to embrace new experiences, rather than succumbing to stress or routine.

She also emphasizes the importance of emotional peace. Caterham reportedly told interviewers that she "never argues" and always tries to "listen" to others. Avoiding conflict and maintaining a calm inner life may be a significant, unheralded factor in extreme longevity, minimizing the long-term biological damage caused by chronic stress (a concept known as allostatic load).

Dietary Habits and Lifestyle

Unlike some supercentenarians who credit unique diets, Ethel Caterham's eating habits are surprisingly ordinary. She has never followed a special diet and, in fact, enjoys a small glass of sherry in the evenings. This anecdotal evidence aligns with the growing scientific consensus that while genetics are the primary driver of extreme longevity, a moderate and happy lifestyle, free from excessive worry, is often a common thread among the world's oldest people.

The Oldest Person Ever: The Unbroken Record of Jeanne Calment

While Ethel Caterham holds the current title, the all-time record for the longest-lived human being remains firmly in the hands of Jeanne Louise Calment of France. Her astonishing lifespan has become the gold standard for human durability, and her age of 122 years and 164 days is an incredible benchmark that no other person has yet verifiably reached.

Jeanne Calment: An Unprecedented Life

Born on February 21, 1875, Jeanne Calment’s life stretched from the 19th century well into the end of the 20th century. Her life was filled with unique historical encounters; she reportedly met Vincent van Gogh in 1888 at her uncle’s shop, describing him as "ugly, ungracious, and sick."

Her lifestyle was famously unconventional for someone who lived so long. Calment was known to have:

  • Smoked: She smoked cigarettes from the age of 21 until she was 117, only quitting because her deteriorating eyesight made it difficult to light them.
  • Enjoyed Sweets: She had a fondness for chocolate, reportedly eating nearly a kilogram per week.
  • Drank Wine: She regularly enjoyed port wine.
  • Used Olive Oil: She credited her youthful appearance to using olive oil liberally in her diet and rubbing it onto her skin.

Calment's record is the ultimate goal for current supercentenarians. Her life highlights the complexity of longevity, proving that a long life is not always predicated on the most stringent health rules.

The Science of Supercentenarians and Age Validation

The verification of extreme age is a complex and crucial process, primarily handled by the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) and Guinness World Records. This validation ensures the integrity of the record, distinguishing verified supercentenarians from unverified claims.

The Validation Process

To be officially recognized, a claimant's age must be supported by multiple, independent pieces of documentation. This typically includes a birth certificate, census records, marriage certificates, and other historical documents that track the individual's life. This process is known as Age Validation and is essential for maintaining the scientific accuracy of longevity data.

The study of supercentenarians like Ethel Caterham and Jeanne Calment is vital for understanding human life expectancy. They represent the extreme end of the human lifespan, offering genetic and lifestyle clues that could unlock the secrets to a longer, healthier life for the general population. The entities that study them, including geneticists, demographers, and gerontologists, are focused on identifying the specific biological mechanisms that allow these individuals to resist age-related diseases so effectively.

The Oldest Man Ever

It is also important to note the record for the oldest verified man ever. This title belongs to Jiroemon Kimura of Japan, who lived to the age of 116 years and 54 days (1897–2013). While men tend to have a lower average life expectancy than women, Kimura's longevity is a significant achievement in the study of male supercentenarians.

As Ethel Caterham continues her remarkable journey, the world watches with fascination. Her life, along with the unparalleled record of Jeanne Calment, serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible—and still largely mysterious—potential of the human lifespan.

The 116-Year Secret: Who Is The World's Oldest Person Right Now and What Are Their Longevity Tips?
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