British Woman Ethel Caterham Becomes Oldest Person in the World at 115
A British woman, Ethel Caterham, has officially become the oldest person in the world at the age of 115, according to Sky News. She achieved this milestone on May 1, 2024, at 115 years and 252 days, as confirmed by LongeviQuest.
Mrs. Caterham, who resides in a care home in Surrey, has taken the mantle following the death of the previous record holder, Inah Canabarro Lucas, a 116-year-old nun from Brazil, who passed away on April 30, 2024. As Sky News reports, Mrs. Caterham’s achievement is a testament to her remarkable longevity.
Notably, Mrs. Caterham holds multiple records, including being the last living person to be born in 1909. According to Sky News, she is also the youngest person to be named the oldest woman in the last 12 years.
As the oldest person in the world, Mrs. Caterham’s life story is a fascinating one. Born in Hampshire on August 21, 1909, she was the second-youngest of eight children. Her older sister, Gladys, also lived a long life, passing away at 104 years and 78 days in 2002.
At 18, Mrs. Caterham moved to India to work as a nanny and often reminisces about her time there. It was during her return that she met her future husband, a British Army major, at a dinner party in 1931. The couple married in Salisbury Cathedral two years later and went on to live in Hong Kong and Gibraltar when he was posted abroad.
During their time in Asia, Mrs. Caterham pursued her love of children and opened her own nursery. Upon their return to the UK, they settled in Surrey, where she gave birth to their daughters. Tragically, her daughters, Gem and Anne, predeceased her; Gem died in the early 2000s, and Anne passed away at 82 in 2020.
In addition to her impressive life story, Mrs. Caterham has also shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. As Sky News reports, she is among the oldest survivors of coronavirus, having contracted it at 110 in 2020.
When asked about her secret to a long life, Mrs. Caterham shared her wisdom with the Salisbury Journal, saying, “Say yes to every opportunity because you never know what it will lead to. Have a positive mental attitude and have everything in moderation.”
Currently, Mrs. Caterham remains in good health and enjoys spending time in the garden at her care home, which has been named Ethel’s Garden in her honour. As the oldest person in the world, her remarkable story serves as an inspiration to people around the globe.
The news of Mrs. Caterham’s achievement has been met with congratulations and admiration from people worldwide. According to Sky News, her remarkable longevity is a testament to her strength and resilience, and her story will undoubtedly continue to inspire people for years to come.
In conclusion, Ethel Caterham’s achievement as the oldest person in the world is a remarkable one, and her story serves as a reminder of the importance of living a long and healthy life. As Sky News reports, her legacy will continue to inspire people for generations to come.
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