World’s oldest woman at 116 reveals the biggest secret of longevity — but it may surprise you

Ethel Caterham, the world’s oldest woman, marked her 116th birthday in Surrey, England, astonishing the world as she revealed the biggest secret behind her remarkable longevity.

WEBDESK — Ethel Caterham, the world’s oldest living person, marked her 116th birthday on August 21 at a care home in Surrey, England, revealing her simple secret to longevity: “Never arguing with anyone.”

Born in Hampshire in 1909, Caterham has witnessed two World Wars, the fall of empires, and the rise of modern technology. She officially became the world’s oldest person earlier this year after the death of the previous record-holder.

The British great-grandmother has outlived her husband and both daughters, but continues to inspire admiration worldwide. Family, friends, and staff at her care home joined in celebrating the milestone, describing her as sharp-witted, warm, and remarkably resilient.

“I listen and I do what I like,” Caterham said when asked about her secret to long life.

While Caterham’s age has been verified, researchers caution that many so-called “supercentenarians” may not be as old as claimed due to poor record-keeping, particularly in regions dubbed “Blue Zones,” such as Okinawa, Japan, and Sardinia, Italy. Studies suggest that errors in documentation — and even pension fraud — may account for inflated longevity numbers in those areas.

Dr. Saul Newman of the Oxford Institute of Population Ageing has noted that when birth certificates were standardized in the U.S. during the early 20th century, the number of reported supercentenarians dropped by more than 70 percent.

Still, Caterham’s case stands out as genuine. With robust documentation and a clear historical record, her 116 years are a verified testament to endurance.

As the global population continues to age, stories like Caterham’s fuel fascination with the science of longevity — and perhaps remind us that peace of mind may be just as important as genetics.