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Ethel Caterham, officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living person, has celebrated her 117th birthday and shared the unusual attitude she believes may have helped her reach such an extraordinary age.
Caterham, who was born in the UK on August 21, 1909, marked the milestone with family and friends at her care home in Surrey, England.
"Thank you for all of the kind birthday wishes,” Caterham told ABC News. “Even at 117, I've had many firsts this year, from stroking a llama to holding hands with the King!”
She added: “I've had a lovely day celebrating with my family and friends, and I look forward to seeing what next year brings!”
Caterham previously suggested that avoiding conflict could be one of the reasons she has lived so long.
“Never arguing with anyone, I listen and I do what I like,” she said in an interview with The Associated Press.
Her calm approach may not be the only factor behind her longevity. Caterham is the seventh of eight siblings, and one of her siblings lived to the age of 104, according to Guinness World Records.
However, there is no single proven secret to reaching 117. Genetics, healthcare, living conditions, lifestyle and chance can all influence how long a person lives.
Caterham has enjoyed several memorable experiences during her 116th year, including meeting King Charles III last September.
During their conversation, she reportedly told the monarch about watching his investiture as the Prince of Wales in 1969.
Recalling the past while meeting the King, who is a member of the royal family she grew up under, added a remarkable moment to Caterham’s latest year.
“I've had many firsts this year,” she said, referring to the llama encounter and meeting Charles.
Caterham became the world’s oldest living person last year after Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas died at the age of 116.
Guinness World Records also lists Caterham as the world’s oldest living woman.
“Wishing Ethel Caterham the happiest of birthdays, from Guinness World Records!” the organisation said in a statement.
It added: “Holding the GWR title for both the oldest person living and oldest woman living, is certainly something to celebrate! We hope she has a wonderful day with loved ones.”
Caterham outlived her husband, Norman, who died in 1976, as well as their two daughters, Gem and Anne. She is now a grandmother of three and a great-grandmother of five.
Earlier in life, Caterham worked as a nanny and ran a nursery. She and her family are reportedly celebrating her latest birthday privately at her Surrey care home.
After 117 years, her simple advice remains unchanged: avoid unnecessary arguments, listen to others and live life on your own terms.
