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As of September 2025, the world’s oldest living person is Ethel May Caterham, a 116-year-old supercentenarian from the United Kingdom. Born on 21 August 1909 in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, Ethel has lived through two World Wars, the invention of television, the internet era, and modern medical breakthroughs. She assumed the title after the passing of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas in April 2025, who was 116 at the time of her death.
When asked about her secret to a long life, Ethel often points to a positive mindset, avoiding stress, and living simply. Experts studying supercentenarians agree that genetics, moderate diets, and staying socially connected also play an important role. Ethel is proof that resilience and adaptability are just as powerful as medicine when it comes to longevity.
While Ethel is the oldest verified person alive in 2025, she is not the oldest ever recorded. Here’s a list of the top 5 oldest people in history:
Jeanne Calment (France) – 122 years, 164 days (1875–1997)
Kane Tanaka (Japan) – 119 years, 107 days (1903–2022)
Sarah Knauss (USA) – 119 years, 97 days (1880–1999)
Lucile Randon (France) – 118 years, 340 days (1904–2023)
Marie-Louise Meilleur (Canada) – 117 years, 230 days (1880–1998)
Ethel Caterham, now at 116 years, is joining this extraordinary league of supercentenarians, making her a part of human history’s rarest group.
A supercentenarian is someone who lives to or beyond the age of 110 years, making them far rarer than centenarians (those aged 100+). Fewer than one in a thousand centenarians reach this milestone, and most are women. Scientists study supercentenarians to uncover the secrets of healthy aging, genetics, and longevity. The most famous example is Jeanne Calment of France, who lived to 122 years and 164 days, and remains the oldest verified human in history.
The fascination with the world’s oldest person 2025 goes beyond numbers. Supercentenarians like Ethel teach us lessons in patience, resilience, and optimism. Their stories inspire scientists to explore how lifestyle and genetics contribute to healthy aging and inspire us to live fuller, more meaningful lives.
At 116 years old, Ethel May Caterham holds the title of the world’s oldest living person in 2025. Her story reflects not just a remarkable age but also the human spirit’s ability to adapt, endure, and inspire across generations.
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