11 Facts About The World's Oldest Person Right Now: Age, Secrets, And The All-Time Record

The quest to understand the limits of human longevity has never been more fascinating, and as of today, December 11, 2025, the oldest living person in the world is a remarkable woman from the United Kingdom. This individual represents the absolute pinnacle of the human lifespan, a supercentenarian who has witnessed over a century of global history, technological revolution, and societal change. Her current age is not just a number; it's a testament to genetic fortune, lifestyle, and the sheer persistence of life.

The title of the "world's oldest person" is constantly changing, tracked meticulously by global organizations like the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) and LongeviQuest. The current titleholder is a beacon of hope and curiosity, drawing global attention to the secrets of extreme aging. This in-depth article will reveal the current titleholder's exact age, their biography, the all-time record holder, and the scientific insights into what allows a select few to live beyond 110 years.

The Current Oldest Living Person: Ethel Caterham (UK)

As of December 11, 2025, the verified oldest living person in the world is Ethel Caterham of the United Kingdom. Her age has been meticulously validated by leading gerontology organizations, placing her at the top of a very exclusive list.

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Ethel Caterham: A Snapshot of Longevity

• Full Name: Ethel Caterham (née Lilian Ethel King)
• Date of Birth: August 21, 1909
• Place of Birth: Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, England, UK
• Current Age (Dec 11, 2025): 116 years and 112 days
• Spouse: William Caterham (married 1931, died 1976)
• Children: Two daughters (both deceased)
• Claim to Fame: Oldest living person in the world (validated) since April 30, 2025, and the oldest British person ever.
• Historical Context: Born during the reign of King Edward VII, she has lived through two World Wars, the sinking of the Titanic, the invention of television, the entire Space Age, and the rise of the internet.

Ethel Caterham assumed the title following the death of Brazilian nun, Inah Canabarro Lucas, who passed away on April 30, 2025, at the age of 116. Caterham's life story is one of enduring simplicity and resilience. She spent much of her life in Surrey, working as a teacher before marrying. When asked about her secret to longevity, she has often pointed to a simple, quiet life, a love for walking, and a general avoidance of stress.

Her daily routine is reportedly calm and steady, focusing on simple pleasures and remaining connected to her family. This anecdotal evidence aligns with many studies on supercentenarians that suggest a combination of strong genetics and a low-stress lifestyle are key factors in reaching extreme old age.

The All-Time Record: The Oldest Person Who Ever Lived

While Ethel Caterham holds the current living record, the undisputed champion of human longevity remains the Frenchwoman, Jeanne Louise Calment. Her verified lifespan sets the benchmark for the maximum human age, a record that has stood for over two decades and may never be broken.

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Jeanne Calment: The Undisputed Queen of Longevity

Jeanne Calment was born in Arles, France, on February 21, 1875, and died on August 4, 1997. She lived to the astonishing age of 122 years and 164 days. Her life spanned three centuries, and she is the only human being in history whose age has been verifiably documented to have surpassed 120 years.

Her lifestyle was famously unconventional for a centenarian. She reportedly rode a bicycle until she was 100, lived on her own until 110, and only moved into a nursing home after a cooking accident. She also had several habits that would shock modern health experts, including smoking cigarettes from the age of 21 until she was 117 and having a fondness for port wine and chocolate. This suggests that while lifestyle plays a role, a significant, perhaps dominant, factor in extreme longevity is a rare and robust genetic makeup. The Calment case is a key subject in the study of gerontology, sparking debates about the theoretical maximum human lifespan.

The World’s Oldest Living Man: João Marinho Neto

The longevity landscape is often dominated by women; statistically, women live longer than men. The current oldest living man is a separate and equally prestigious title, currently held by a Brazilian supercentenarian.

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João Marinho Neto: The Oldest Man Alive

The oldest verified living man is João Marinho Neto of Brazil. He was born on October 5, 1912, and celebrated his 113th birthday in October 2025. He received the LongeviQuest World's Oldest Man Trophy in May 2025, highlighting his status as a global icon of male longevity.

João Marinho Neto’s life is a fascinating contrast to the all-time male record holder, Jiroemon Kimura of Japan, who lived to 116 years and 54 days (1897–2013). Neto's life, rooted in the rural traditions of Brazil, offers a different perspective on the factors contributing to extreme male lifespan, including strong family ties and a connection to the natural world.

The Science of Supercentenarians: What We Learn from Extreme Age

People who reach the age of 110 or older are known as supercentenarians. This demographic is incredibly rare, with only a few hundred validated cases worldwide at any given time. Studying these individuals is crucial for unlocking the secrets of longevity and healthspan—the period of life spent in good health.

Key Insights from Longevity Research

The lives of Ethel Caterham, Jeanne Calment, and João Marinho Neto provide invaluable data for researchers in gerontology. Here are the most prominent theories and findings:

1. The Power of Genetics

Studies show that reaching supercentenarian status is overwhelmingly linked to genetics. Scientists estimate that genetics account for about 20% to 30% of the variation in human lifespan, but for those living past 110, the genetic component is significantly higher. Researchers look for specific "longevity genes" that protect against common age-related diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegeneration. This is the primary reason why Jeanne Calment could live so long despite her less-than-ideal habits.

2. Low Incidence of Major Disease

Supercentenarians often exhibit a phenomenon called "compression of morbidity." This means that they remain relatively healthy for most of their lives and experience a period of illness only in the very last few years, rather than suffering from chronic diseases for decades. Their bodies seem to have a superior ability to repair cellular damage and maintain homeostasis.

3. Lifestyle and Personality Factors

While genetics are key, lifestyle is the crucial modifier. Common traits observed in supercentenarians include:

• Moderate Calorie Intake: Many report never overeating.
• Regular, Mild Exercise: A preference for walking and staying active, like Ethel Caterham.
• Low Stress/Positive Outlook: A calm, resilient personality and a strong social network are frequently cited.
• Strong Social Ties: Maintaining close relationships with family and community members, which is a common thread among centenarians globally.

The Future of Longevity: Can the Record Be Broken?

The question remains: Will anyone ever surpass Jeanne Calment's record of 122 years? The scientific community is divided. Some models suggest that the human lifespan has a natural, fixed limit, with 120-125 years representing the biological maximum. Others argue that with advancements in genetic engineering, anti-aging therapies, and regenerative medicine, the record is not only breakable but will eventually be surpassed, potentially leading to a new era of "extreme longevity."

For now, the world watches Ethel Caterham, who, at 116, continues to push the boundaries of the known human lifespan. Her life, alongside the records of Calment and Neto, serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible potential for human endurance and the enduring mystery of why some individuals are granted the gift of so many years.

The diligent work of organizations like the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) and LongeviQuest ensures that every claim to the title of the world's oldest person is rigorously verified, providing the public with the most accurate and up-to-date information on the true limits of life in the 21st century.