Rather than setting the usual resolutions—whether it’s about hitting the gym more or following the latest diet trend—why not take a moment to explore a different approach? Clara’s story reminds us that happiness can come from unexpected places and doesn’t have to conform to societal norms.
If you’re tired of the constant pressure to find “the one” or hearing about “plenty more fish in the sea,” Clara’s celibacy shows that living life on your terms, without compromise, can be a truly rewarding path.
Born in Glasgow in 1903, Clara lived an extraordinary life. She worked as a secretary and later at a telegraph office, finding joy and purpose in her career. According to The Daily Atomic, she decided at just 12 years old that marriage wasn’t for her.
She added: “When I was a girl you only had sex with your husband and I never married.”
Although it’s impossible to definitively label someone as the “world’s oldest virgin,” given the personal nature of such information, Clara is one of the oldest individuals to openly talk about her choice to never engage in sexual relationships.
Although Clara encountered many romantic opportunities over the years, she stayed true to her decision, choosing not to explore those avenues further. She explained her reasoning with: “I imagine there is a lot of hassle involved and I have always been busy doing other things.”
These interests kept her joyfully occupied throughout her 108 years. Her life serves as an inspiring reminder of how we can all enter 2025 with our own priorities in place.
Clara passed away in 2011, leaving behind a legacy of independence and self-assuredness.
She also remarked: “I made my mind up at the age of 12 never to marry and I’ve not gone back on that.”
And finally, she concluded with: “[…] People have their own views on sex, but I was never interested in it. I just never met anyone I wanted to marry, and I’ve always been happy alone.”
