World's Oldest Person Ethel Caterham Celebrates 117th Birthday, Previously Lived in Hong Kong
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Ethel Caterham, a British supercentenarian who previously resided in Hong Kong, celebrated her 117th birthday on June 21 in Surrey, England, marking another milestone as the world's oldest living person. Born on August 21, 1909, in Hampshire, southern England, Caterham has witnessed over a century of global history, from before the Titanic sank to the digital age. After her husband Norman Caterham was stationed in Hong Kong with the British Army, she founded a nursery school in the city, teaching English, crafts, and games to local and expatriate children. She is also recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest known COVID-19 survivor, having recovered from the virus in 2020 at age 110.
Key Points
- Ethel Caterham was born on August 21, 1909, making her one of the last surviving people born during King Edward VII's reign
- She lived in Hong Kong when her husband Norman, a British Army officer, was stationed there in the 1930s; she ran a nursery school teaching children English and crafts
- She contracted COVID-19 in 2020 at age 110 and recovered, earning the Guinness World Record as the oldest COVID-19 survivor
- King Charles III visited her shortly after her 116th birthday in September 2024; she recalled his 1969 investiture as Prince of Wales
- Her longevity secrets include not arguing with anyone, listening, doing what she loves, staying positive, and saying yes to every opportunity
Why It Matters
Caterham's extraordinary lifespan, spanning from the Edwardian era to the present day, offers a living testament to human resilience and adaptability across more than a century of unprecedented change. Her recovery from COVID-19 at such an advanced age provides inspiring evidence of the human body's potential, while her Hong Kong connection reminds us of the deep historical ties between Britain and Asia that shaped countless individual life stories.
Caterham's extraordinary lifespan, spanning from the Edwardian era to the present day, offers a living testament to human resilience and adaptability across more than a century of unprecedented change. Her recovery from COVID-19 at such an advanced age provides inspiring evidence of the human body's potential, while her Hong Kong connection reminds us of the deep historical ties between Britain and Asia that shaped countless individual life stories.