Clara Meadmore had more important priorities than having sex during her 108 years on the planet
As we kick off the first day of 2025, it’s the perfect time to think about how we want to shape the year ahead. Clara Meadmore’s extraordinary life offers a refreshing perspective to consider as we reflect on our own choices and goals.
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.
Need some motivation? Meet Clara Meadmore, a woman who went 108 years without ever having sex—a stretch that certainly puts any “dry spell” into perspective.
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.
On her 105th birthday in 2008, Clara shared her thoughts in an interview with the Mail Online, stating: “I’ve never had a boyfriend – I’ve never been bothered about relationships.”
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.
Clara Meadmore vowed never to marry at the age of just 12SWNS/ Adam Gerrard
Clara also addressed questions regarding her sexuality, stating bluntly that the “answer is no” to any speculation about her being homosexual. She clarified: “I have just never been interested in sex.”
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.”
Instead of romantic relationships, Clara cherished platonic friendships with men, finding them fulfilling without the need to take things further. She dedicated her time to activities she loved, including Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, gardening, walking, and reading.
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.
Clara passed away at the age of 108SWNS/ Adam Gerrard
In her earlier interviews, Clara reflected on her decisions and shared some timeless wisdom: “Everything seems so fast these days. I don’t know a lot about young people or the way they do things. I’m sure its very different.”
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.”
These are certainly wise words we can all learn from, and perhaps even apply to our own lives as we move forward.
