World's Oldest Person Turns 117 With Simple Life Advice
Ethel Caterham, born when King Edward VII ruled Britain, just celebrated her 117th birthday and credits her longevity to staying calm and avoiding arguments. She met King Charles III this year and says she's still having new experiences, from petting llamas to making royal memories.
The world's oldest person turned 117 last Friday, and her secret to a long life might surprise you with its simplicity.
Ethel Caterham was born in the United Kingdom on August 21, 1909, when the great-great grandfather of today's King Charles III sat on the throne. She's the seventh of eight children and now holds the Guinness World Record as the oldest living person.
Her advice for a long, happy life? Stay nonconfrontational. Ethel told ABC News she's built her 117 years on never arguing while rarely compromising, a balance that's clearly served her well.
"Even at 117, I've had many firsts this year, from stroking a llama to holding hands with the King!" she shared in her birthday message. She met King Charles III in September, adding a royal encounter to her growing list of lifetime memories.
Ethel's life has been anything but small. In her youth, she worked as a nanny for a British family living in India, spending three years exploring the subcontinent. That adventure led her to Norman, a major in the British Army who became her husband.
She's outlived Norman by 50 years and both of her daughters, but today she's surrounded by love from three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. They gathered to celebrate her milestone birthday, making the day special with family and friends.
Sunny's Take
At an age when most of us can't imagine reaching, Ethel reminds us that peace often beats winning. Her nonconfrontational approach doesn't mean being a pushover. It means choosing battles wisely and finding ways forward that preserve relationships over egos.
What makes her story especially touching is her openness to new experiences. Meeting a king and petting a llama at 117 shows that curiosity and joy don't have expiration dates.
Ethel took the title after Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas passed away at 116, continuing a legacy of remarkable human resilience. She's already looking forward to what next year brings, a reminder that tomorrow can still hold surprises no matter how many we've already seen.
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Based on reporting by Good News Network
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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