A captivating visual showcase of the world’s 50 oldest verified living individuals — as of mid-2025 — has captured global attention. The latest ranking highlights the remarkable diversity in longevity, stretching across continents and cultures, and reminds us of human resilience and the mysteries of aging.

At the top of this elite list stands Ethel Caterham, a 115-year-old Briton from Surrey, now recognized as the world’s oldest verified living person. Born in August 1909, Caterham ascended to the title after the passing of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas in April 2025 WikipediaNew York PostBBC.

Following closely are Marie-Rose Tessier, a 115-year-old Frenchwoman, and Naomi Whitehead, a 114-year-old American—all emblematic figures from diverse corners of the globe. The full top-ten list includes women from Brazil, Italy, Japan, Costa Rica, and the United States, reflecting how longevity transcends borders Nyongesa Sande.

The spotlight has also shone on Deolira Gliceria Pedro da Silva, a 119-year-old Brazilian great-grandmother contesting her claim as the world’s oldest person. Though not yet officially verified, her imminent 120th 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡day brings growing interest in her case Reuters.

These ages not only astonish but also offer insight into demographic and societal shifts. With more individuals reaching supercentenarian status, researchers are better positioned to study factors—genetic, lifestyle, environmental—that contribute to extreme longevity. Such analyses may one day change our understanding of human lifespan and healthspan.