Ethel Caterham has marked her 117th birthday in the UK, crediting a measured approach to life for helping her reach the remarkable milestone.
Ms Caterham is the first recorded person to live to 117 and is among just 13 people in recorded history to have reached that age.
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Now living in a care home in Surrey, she said her guiding principle had been to “enjoy everything in life but in moderation”.
“I never argue with anyone. I listen to what they say, and then do as I like,” she added.
When she was 18, Ms Caterham travelled by ship to India to work as a nanny. She later returned to England and married a British army officer.
The world’s oldest man João Marinho Neto had a birthday message for Ethel Caterham
The couple went on to live in Gibraltar and Hong Kong, where they raised two daughters.
Ms Caterham retained her independence well into later life. After her husband’s death, she learned to drive at 67 and remained behind the wheel until she was 97.
Birthday greetings also arrived from the world’s oldest man, who lives in Brazil.
João Marinho Neto, 113, was photographed smiling as he held a message reading “Parabéns Ethel” — Portuguese for “Congratulations Ethel.”
Mr Marinho Neto also sent Ms Caterham birthday wishes last year, when she celebrated turning 116.
