Whenever someone reaches an extraordinary age, people naturally become curious about the habits, foods, or routines that may have contributed to such a long life.
While many longevity stories focus on unusual diets, daily drinks, or strict wellness practices, Ethel Caterham offered a much simpler explanation for reaching 116.
Her advice had nothing to do with supplements or complicated routines.
She believed avoiding arguments and living life on her own terms played an important role.
Born on August 21, 1909, in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, Ethel became the world’s oldest verified living person, according to Guinness World Records and LongeviQuest, an organization that tracks and verifies supercentenarians.
Her remarkable age represents much more than a record.
During her lifetime, Ethel witnessed some of the most significant events in modern history, including two world wars, the first human landing on the moon, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the rapid development of technologies such as the internet, smartphones, and social media.
She grew up in Tidworth, Wiltshire, as the second youngest of eight children.
Longevity appeared to run in her family, as one of her sisters, Gladys, reportedly lived to the age of 104.
Ethel’s life became adventurous while she was still young.
At 18, she traveled to British India, where she worked as an au pair for a military family. She later recalled living in a household where staff helped with daily responsibilities and where British customs mixed with Indian traditions.
Her experiences included Christmas celebrations as well as local routines involving tea and tiffin.
Ethel spent approximately four years working as a nanny in India and the United Kingdom before meeting Norman Caterham, the man who would become her husband.
The couple met at a dinner party in 1931.
Norman was serving in the British Army and later became a lieutenant colonel in the Royal Army Pay Corps.
They married in 1933 at Salisbury Cathedral, where Norman had once sung as a choirboy.
After their wedding, they lived in Harnham near Salisbury before Norman’s military career took them to other parts of the world, including Hong Kong and Gibraltar.
While living in Hong Kong, Ethel established a nursery for both local and British children. She taught English, organized games, and introduced the children to arts and crafts.
She and Norman later began raising their family in Gibraltar before returning to Surrey with their two daughters, Gem and Anne.
Norman died in 1976.
Throughout her long life, Ethel experienced both personal loss and remarkable resilience.
In 2020, when she was 110 years old, she contracted COVID-19. Despite the serious risks the illness posed to older adults, she recovered.
When asked about the secret behind her longevity, Ethel offered a straightforward response.
“Never arguing with anyone. I listen and I do what I like.” Continue Reading ⬇️