Ethel May Caterham celebrated her 115th birthday this week and revealed her secret to a long and happy life

The oldest woman in the UK has revealed the one thing she doesn’t do that has helped her live a long life.

Ethel May Caterham celebrated her 115th birthday this week, lifting the lid on the secrets of her life so far.

Her insights into a long and prosperous life come after some tips resurfaced from the former oldest person in the world, Maria Braynas Morera, following her death at the age of 117 this week.

Maria shared that there were a number of rules that she followed to help her live not just a long life, but a happy one too.

Ethel turned 115 earlier this week. (Hallmark Care Homes)

Ethel is the last surviving subject on Kind Edward VII, and spent her birthday with her family and others close to her at her care home in Surrey, which also renamed the garden in tribute to her.

The second youngest of eight children, Ethel was born on 21 August 1909 in Hampshire, UK.

Early in her life, she was an au pair to a military family in India before returning to the UK in 1931, meeting future husband Norman Caterham at a dinner party in 1933.

He went on to be a lieutenant colonel in the Royal Army Pay Corps, with the couple moving to several territories abroad due to his work such as Hong Kong and Gibraltar, which is where they starter their family, eventually moving back home to raise their two girls.

Ethel also had a sister that lived for 104 years, and has revealed how she has managed to make it to 115 without a hitch.

Apparently, the secret is to keep a cool head and always do what you want – how hard can it be? (Hallmark Care Homes)

She explained that her secret was simply ‘never arguing with anyone, I listen and I do what I like’.

Her life was celebrated at Hallmark Lakeview care home in Lightwater, Surrey on Wednesday (21 August), complete with balloons, cake, entertainment and an appearance by the Mayor of Surrey Heath, Sarbie Kang.

The care home then renamed a part of the garden in honour of Ethel, featuring a revamp, including a water feature and wind chimes.

Following the emotional tribute, general manager at the home, Inder Hanzra, stated: “Ethel has lived an incredible life and we are very privileged to share this momentous occasion with her. To mark Ethel’s special milestone, the team have revamped an area of the garden and renamed it Ethel’s Garden.

“There’s nothing Ethel enjoys more than sitting in the sunshine and listening to the birds. We also arranged a sparkling afternoon tea, a special cake and for her favourite Frank Sinatra tribute entertainer to perform,” he revealed.

The 115-year-old herself later said: “I don’t know why there is all this fuss. I had a great day and feel very grateful to the care home for naming the garden after me.”