Who is the oldest human still alive?

Meet the World's Oldest Living Person: Ethel Caterham

As of March 2026, the title of the world's oldest living person belongs to Ethel Caterham, a remarkable British supercentenarian who has lived through three centuries. At 116 years and 198 days old, her life spans an extraordinary stretch of history—from the final years of the Edwardian era to the digital age of today.

Born on August 21, 1909, in England, Ethel has witnessed world wars, the rise of aviation, the moon landing, and the internet revolution. She is now the last surviving subject of King Edward VII and the longest-lived British woman in recorded history. Her longevity places her at the top of a rare group—people who live past 115, a milestone very few ever reach.

Behind her age lies a quiet, enduring life. Ethel has kept a low profile, known for her simple routines and strong will. While modern science studies genetics and lifestyle in search of the secrets to long life, stories like hers remind us that resilience, luck, and a bit of mystery often play their part.

She is followed closely by Naomi Whitehead (115 years, 162 days), of the United States, and Lucia Laura Sangenito from Argentina, also 115. Each of these women represents not just longevity, but the quiet strength of generations past.

As researchers continue to track aging and longevity, Ethel Caterham stands as a living testament to a bygone era—and a gentle reminder of how much history can dwell within a single lifetime.