If you find yourself without a partner as the year comes to a close, why not consider following Clara Meadmore’s example?
As the end of 2024 approaches, you might be thinking about a New Year’s resolution.
Instead of succumbing to the usual resolutions like altering your diet or hitting the gym, why not ignore the advice about ‘plenty more fish in the sea’ and consider celibacy?
Clara Meadmore may offer all the motivation you need. She abstained from sex for an incredible 108 years, which certainly puts a three-month dry spell into perspective, doesn’t it?
Clara was born in Glasgow in 1903. Her career included roles as a secretary and a worker in a telegraph office, according to The Daily Atomic.
At just 12 years old, Clara reportedly made the decision never to marry.
On her 105th birthday in 2008, she stated, as the Mail Online quoted: “I’ve never had a boyfriend – I’ve never been bothered about relationships.
“When I was a girl you only had sex with your husband and I never married.”
Although it’s challenging to identify the ‘world’s oldest virgin’ due to privacy, Clara is recognized as one of the oldest individuals to publicly declare her virginity.
Addressing inquiries about her sexuality, she clarified that the ‘answer is no’ to those questioning if she’s homosexual, saying: “I have just never been interested in sex.”
Despite entertaining romantic ideas throughout her life, Clara remained committed to her decision to stay a virgin and did not pursue romantic relationships.
She further explained: “I imagine there is a lot of hassle involved and I have always been busy doing other things.”
Instead, Clara enjoyed numerous platonic friendships with men and never felt any pressure to pursue marriage.
Her life was filled with activities like listening to Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, gardening, walking, and reading, which kept her content for 108 years—truly inspiring as we move into 2025.
Clara passed away in 2011 at the age of 108.
In earlier interviews, she noted: “Everything seems so fast these days. I don’t know a lot about young people or the way they do things. I’m sure it’s very different.
“I made my mind up at the age of 12 never to marry and I’ve not gone back on that.
“[…] 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.”
Indeed, wise words to consider.