World's oldest living person, who is 115 years old, shares the one rule that’s helped her live so long

In a world full of chaos, stress, and constant noise, one woman has quietly walked her path — without arguing, without fuss — and lived to become the world’s oldest person! Meet Ethel Caterham, a 115-year-old British woman who now holds the title of the world’s oldest living person, according to the Gerontology Research Group.
Born before World War I even began, Ethel’s life dates back to August 21, 1909. But while much around her has changed — wars, technology, and the way people live — her simple mantra has stayed the same: “Never argue with anyone. I listen and I do what I like.” This one rule, she says, is her secret to long life.
Here’s all we need to know about her life, and why her peaceful philosophy is something that still matters today.

Ethel Caterham was born in the small village of Shipton Bellinger in southern England, the second youngest among eight siblings. It was 1909 — a time of horse-drawn carriages and handwritten letters. Her childhood was shaped by simplicity, routine, and a lot of shared family values. She saw two World Wars, the rise of the internet, and countless changes in global history — yet never lost her calm.

That kind of steady presence, built over time, creates a foundation that many people don’t realise helps the body and mind stay strong.

At 18, Ethel moved to India, working as a nanny. It wasn’t just a job — it was a sign of her boldness and curiosity. She spent three years there before returning to England, and later lived in Hong Kong and Gibraltar after marrying her husband, Norman, a British army major.

Travel can often bring stress, but for her, it was a rhythm of newness — a way to absorb different cultures while staying true to her own calm nature. She raised two daughters in the UK, and when Norman passed away in 1976, she carried on with strength, quietly and gracefully.

In a recent interview from her care home in Surrey, Ethel was asked the secret to her incredibly long life. Her answer was gentle but powerful:
“Never arguing with anyone. I listen and I do what I like.”

This isn’t just an old-fashioned idea. Psychologists today say that chronic stress, anger, and emotional conflicts can raise the risk of heart disease, weaken immunity, and speed up ageing. Ethel’s approach — staying away from unnecessary arguments and not wasting energy on drama — may have truly helped preserve her physical and mental health over time.

Modern research supports what Ethel has lived. People who respond to stress with emotional stability and fewer confrontations tend to live longer. Constant emotional conflict is linked to increased inflammation in the body, a known factor in chronic illness.

In this sense, Ethel’s quiet wisdom is not just personal — it's backed by science. By choosing peace, she likely gave her heart and mind a lighter load to carry.

Ethel recently celebrated her 115th birthday with a tiara and cake at Hallmark Lakeview Care Home in Camberley. Pictures showed her smiling, surrounded by care staff and warmth. But her real gift to the world isn't just her age — it’s her story.

Her life is a reminder that longevity isn't always about intense diets, daily workouts, or expensive routines. Sometimes, it’s about doing the things that feel good, listening more than talking, and avoiding unnecessary conflict.

Happiness is profoundly important for a healthy life, influencing both our physical and mental well-being in numerous ways. Experiencing positive emotions can lead to a stronger immune system, better cardiovascular health with lower blood pressure and heart rate, improved sleep, and even a longer lifespan. Mentally, happiness reduces stress and anxiety, fosters a greater sense of emotional balance, lowers the risk of depression, and enhances our ability to cope with challenges and maintain positive relationships, ultimately contributing to a more fulfilling and healthier existence.

At the end of the day, staying happy and healthy will naturally extend our lifespan

By adopting these healthy practices and staying away from junk food, we too, can live a healthy, happy life

Happiness is a significant contributor to longevity, impacting our health on multiple levels. Positive emotions and a general sense of well-being are linked to a stronger immune system, better cardiovascular health, and reduced inflammation, all of which are crucial for a longer life. Moreover, happiness often correlates with healthier lifestyle choices, stronger social connections, and a greater ability to cope with stress, further contributing to increased lifespan.

Drinking water is essential for maintaining good health and overall well-being. It keeps the body hydrated, supports digestion, regulates body temperature, and helps flush out toxins. Staying well-hydrated can also improve concentration, boost energy levels, and keep the skin looking fresh and healthy. Ensure to drink adequate water throughout the day. Also, keep in mind that, you should not over do it.

Reducing stress is crucial for a longer, healthier life. Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, increase the risk of heart disease, and contribute to conditions like anxiety and depression. By incorporating stress-reducing habits such as regular exercise, meditation, deep breathing, and maintaining strong social connections, you can significantly improve your physical and mental well-being.

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to maintain and improve overall health. Regular physical activity can boost cardiovascular fitness, strengthen muscles and bones, help regulate weight, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. It also enhances mental well-being by reducing stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression, while improving sleep and cognitive function. The World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests that adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate to intensity physical activity throughout the week. If you want to keep it vigorous, aim for at least 75 minutes a week.

At the end of the day, the secret to living longer is to make healthier choices

Mindfulness is important because it helps you to stay present, reduce stress, and gain better control over your thoughts and emotions. By focusing on the here and now without judgment, mindfulness enhances mental clarity, emotional resilience, and overall well-being. It fosters healthier relationships, improves concentration, and can even support physical health by lowering blood pressure and boosting the immune system.

To maintain a healthy lifestyle from the comfort of your home, incorporate simple yet effective exercises into your daily routine. Bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups (on your knees if needed), and planks require no equipment and work multiple muscle groups. Gentle cardio such as brisk walking in place, marching, or climbing stairs can elevate your heart rate. Don't forget flexibility with stretches like hamstring stretches, quad stretches, and torso twists.

At the end of the day, longevity is not a linear concept, so best is to live your life to the fullest till you are alive, and stay healthy

Regardless of how long you live for consuming a healthy diet is of utmost importance. Eat a balanced and nutritious diet.

Yoga offers a gentle yet powerful path to well-being for older adults, providing numerous benefits such as improved balance to prevent falls, increased flexibility for ease of movement, enhanced strength for daily tasks, and effective pain management for chronic conditions. Styles like chair yoga and gentle yoga make the practice accessible to various mobility levels, while the focus on breath and mindfulness reduces stress and promotes better sleep. 5 morning drinks that fitness coaches recommend for burning fat​

This apart, forging loving relationships too is important for a happy life. Fostering good relationships are crucial for good health.