In a rare moment of shared history, two people born before World War I exchanged birthday greetings across continents today.
Ethel Caterham, the world’s oldest living person and woman, celebrated her 116th birthday today. Among her many well-wishers was the world’s oldest man, João Marinho Neto, 112.
João Marinho Neto, world’s oldest man, holding birthday greeting for Ethel Caterham, world’s oldest person. Courtesy of the Marinho family.
Mrs. Caterham, the longest-living person in British history, and Mr. Marinho Neto, the longest-living man in Brazilian history, have never met in person. But considering their longevity, they might be each other’s only true peer.
Ethel Caterham, world’s oldest person, from her 113th birthday in 2022. Photo credit: Hallmark Care Homes
Mr. Marinho Neto was informed of Mrs. Caterham’s upcoming birthday by his granddaughter, Valéria Marinho. According to Valéria, Mr. Marinho Neto was enthusiastic about sending a birthday wish. He reminded her of his World’s Oldest Man status, saying, “There’s no men older than me, just women!” and he wanted to send greetings to the eldest of them.
He sat upright unassisted for a short photo shoot, posing for the camera holding a sign designed by Valéria that read in Portuguese, “Ethel Feliz Aniversário” (“Happy Birthday Ethel”) alongside photos of Mrs. Caterham. When he was satisfied with the result, the photo was sent to LongeviQuest researcher Ben Hinchliffe for delivery to Mrs. Caterham.
This marks the first documented communication between the world’s oldest woman and the world’s oldest man, and the first recorded birthday greeting exchanged between supercentenarians in different countries.
Mr. Marinho Neto has a big birthday coming up himself. He will turn 113 in early October, a milestone he plans to celebrate with his six living children, 22 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.