Oldest living person in the UK: Ethel Caterham
Ethel May Caterham (née Collins, born 21 August 1909) from Surrey is a British supercentenarian. She was born in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire. At the age of 115, Ethel is the oldest living person in the United Kingdom following the death of 112-year-old Mollie Walker on 22 January 2022. On 5 September 2020, her age was officially verified by the European Supercentenarian Organisation. Following the death of Maria Branyas from Spain, who died aged 117 on 19 August 2024, Ethel became the oldest verified living person in Europe. On 6 April 2025, Ethel Caterham surpassed Charlotte Hughes (who died aged 115 years and 228 days on 17 March 1993) to become the longest-lived person ever from the UK. On 30 April 2025, following the death of Brazilian supercentenarian Inah Canabarro Lucas, who died aged 116, Ethel became the oldest verified living person in the world, certified by LongeviQuest.
Oldest living man in the UK: Donald Rose
Donald Rose (born 24 December 1914) from Ilkeston, Derbyshire is a British supercentenarian. He was born in Westcott, Surrey. During World War Two, he served as a front line soldier and was shot in the leg at the Normandy landings. At the age of 110, Donald is the oldest living man in the United Kingdom following the death of 112-year-old John Tinniswood on 25 November 2024. On 28 December 2024, his age was officially verified by the European Supercentenarian Organisation.
Oldest living men and women by country
The oldest woman living in England and the UK is Ethel Caterham, born 21 August 1909.
The oldest man living in England and the UK is Donald Rose, born 24 December 1914.
The oldest woman living in Scotland is Jenny Smart, born 4 November 1915.
The oldest man living in Scotland was born in October 1915.
The oldest woman living in Wales is thought to be Kathleen Somerville, born 13 November 1916.
The oldest man living in Wales is thought to be Owen Filer, born 19 October 1919.
The oldest woman living in Northern Ireland is thought to be Margaret McMordie, born 14 January 1918.
The oldest man living in Northern Ireland is Norman Irwin, born 17 November 1918.
The oldest living twins in the UK are Elma Harris and Thelma Barratt, born on 3 August 1919.
The longest-married living couple in the UK is currently unknown. Please contact us if you know of a living couple who have been married for over 75 years.
We kindly ask that people get in touch if they know of anyone older.