UK's oldest woman, 116, shares secret to long life – 'I listen and do what I like'

Ethel May Caterham, the UK's oldest living person and the world's officially recognised oldest woman, celebrated her 116th birthday on August 21, 2025. Ethel Caterham is the world's oldest woman (Image: AP)

Britain's eldest resident and the globe's officially oldest woman , celebrated her 116th birthday with relatives at her Lightwater, Surrey residence last week. ‌

Born in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, in 1909, she arrived during Edward VII's reign , making her the final surviving individual from that period. Throughout her remarkable life, Ethel has observed two World Wars, the emergence of the internet, and six British monarchs. ‌

Exceptional longevity seems to be embedded in her bloodline . Her sibling, who also enjoyed an extraordinarily lengthy life, achieved 107