Ethel Caterham, a British woman who has captured the world’s attention, is today the oldest person on the planet, at 116 years old, which she celebrated on August 21. His life is a testimony of resistance and wisdom.
He was born in 1909 in the town of Shipton Bellinger, in the county of Hampshire, United Kingdom, just five years before the outbreak of the First World War. In this way, Caterham has witnessed more than a century of very turbulent history and very profound changes in the way Western society lives.
He became the oldest person in the world, according to the Gerontology Research Group, after the death of Inah Canabarroa 116-year-old Brazilian nun.
At age 18, in 1927, Ethel traveled to India to work as a nanny for a British family and returned to England three years later. She met her husband Norman, a British soldier, in 1931, and together they lived in places such as Hong Kong and Gibraltar. They raised their two daughters in the United Kingdom. Both have already died.
Ethel’s marriage lasted 49 years, the same length of time as her widowhood. Norman died in 1976.
“I have traveled all over the world and I have ended up in this beautiful house, where everyone goes out of their way for me and gives me everything I want,” he said in an interview with the BBC in 2020, referring to the nursing home where he resides.
What to do to achieve a long life?
When asked about the secret to her extraordinary longevity, Ethel Caterham offers insight surprisingly simple and profound: “Accept everything that comes: the good and the bad.”
From his residence Hallmark Luxury Care Homes in Billericay, east London, his main advice is to avoid conflict.
Perhaps his secret to such a long life is to face everything “calmly.” “I never argue with anyone, I listen and do what I like,” he said, according to Guardian.
Unlike many longevity tips that focus on strict diets or intense exercise regimens, Ethel places more importance on a positive attitude and moderation in everything.
It is known that mental and emotional health plays a crucial role in extending life. But their way of life also reflects remarkable independence and adaptability. After being widowed, according to the magazine National GeographicEthel did not let herself be overcome by loneliness; She continued driving her car until she was 97 and playing bridge, a card game that kept her socially and mentally active.
When he turned 115, the nursing home where he resides released a message recognizing his “strength, spirit and wisdom.”
“Ethel, the last surviving contemporary of Edward VII, marked this incredible day surrounded by her closest loved ones. In her honor, we have also renamed part of our garden at Lakeview “Ethel’s Garden,” a lasting tribute to her remarkable life. He is an inspiration to all of us. Let’s toast to celebrate your extraordinary journey!”
A baby’s microbiota
María Branyas Morera, born in the United States, lived to be 117 years old and died in Spain in August 2024.
Apparently, he managed to live many years since his cells remained extraordinarily young.
University of Barcelona genetics professor Manel Esteller led a study of Maria’s microbiome and DNA Branyasa few years before his death, and determined that the genes he inherited allowed his cells to behave as if they were 17 years younger. Specifically, their microbiota was compared to that of a baby.
In addition to her genetic makeup, the researchers noted traits of a healthy lifestyle that also contributed to the longevity of this supercentenarian and included a Mediterranean diet, not drinking alcohol or smoking, frequent walks, and being surrounded by family and friends.
In January 2023, Guinness World Records recognized María Branyas as the oldest person in the world after the death, at age 118, of the French nun. Lucile Randon.
“Order, tranquility, good connection with family and friends, contact with nature, emotional stability, having no worries, no regrets, a lot of positivity and staying away from toxic people,” María Branyas recognized as the reasons for her long life, in an interview published on the Guinness World Records website.
“I think longevity also has to do with luck,” said Branyas.
Longevity is not only measured in years, but also in the quality of life, and this is deeply involved with the ability to adapt and the wisdom accumulated along the way.
