I Wanna Be a Granfluencer When I Glow Up! 

Glowing up – Not Growing up in the age of the Granfluencer!

Think social media is reserved for teens and millennials?

Think again! Grandparents or those old enough to be are proving that age is just a number when it comes to rocking the digital world.

The older generations are working with brands and in some cases, they are the brand!

When you ask me how it makes me feel to see other older ladies and gentlemen bringing in thousands and often millions of followers, I say sign me up.

I know what I want to be when I glow up – a granfluencer Influencer.  Okay, I’m someone’s Nani, but there is no term for that, maybe Nanfluence?

Follow me on Instagram and see if my Grandfluencer Dreams Come True @findingkathybrown

Grandfluencer or Granfluencer –  this generation is too old to care.  By this stage of the game, most people know what an influencer is.  A granfluencer is an older woman or man typically over the age of 60 making content for social media.  Some of these 60-plus-year-old creators may have a million followers or more.  Often these influencers attract followers of the same age or even much younger.  Most are eager to share fashion tips, life skills, wisdom, and humor. 

My personal opinion is we have no rules or qualifiers for being an influencer.  However, industry standards could be anyone who produces content for a niche.  These top granfluencers represent knowledge and insight into topics from fashion, travel, fitness, beauty, food, lifestyle, and more. 

Aging can be a scary thing.  I know there are days I am petrified as a 55-year-old.  Seeing older women living their best lives calms those fears.  Older influencers remove some of the stigma that comes with the aging process.  It is a wonderful day anytime we can see ourselves represented in influencer marketing. 

Though the term grand fluence may be new, it’s not hard to look around and see this trend has been coming for a while.  Just look back at one of the original ladies to take the internet by storm Helen Ruth Elam Van Winkle, better known as Baddiewinkle or Baddie Winkle.  This 95 year old commands a following of millions. 

Ready to get inspired by age-positive, can do anything attitudes.  Listed below are some of today’s top Grandfluencers.  These are the people who inspire me to life of aging fiercely and with a touch of humor.  In a world of the rise of grandparents who are living their best lives, these individuals are rocking it. 

Granfluencer TikTok:

Grandma Droniak: (@grandma_droniak) This 70+-year-old grandma has over 13 million followers and shares funny skits and relatable content about life as a grandma.

Cool Grandpa: (@theverycoolgrandpa) This grandpa, known for his humor and positive attitude, boasts over 8 million followers and often features his cool grandchildren in his videos.

Kim and Grandma Gail: (@kimandgrandmagail) This duo features a granddaughter and her grandmother sharing baking tutorials, life advice, and wholesome family moments.

Babs aka Nonna: (@brunchwithbabs) This grandma of eight shares her delicious recipes, cooking tips, and family moments, amassing over 3 million followers and even landing a cookbook deal.

Granfluencer Instagram:

Iris Apfel: (@irisapfel) This fashion icon and influencer in her 90s is known for her bold style and quirky personality, inspiring over 1.6 million followers.

Drawings for my Grandchildren: (@drawings_for_my_grandchildren) This account, run by a grandmother, features heartwarming drawings and illustrations for her grandchildren, gaining over 411,000 followers.

Other platforms:

Carla Rockmore: (@carlarockmore) This fashion designer and influencer, active on Instagram and YouTube, is known for her stylish outfits and GRWM videos, inspiring over 300,000 followers.

The Old Gays: (@oldgays) This comedic group of four older gay men (Robert Reeves, Michael Peterson, Bill Lyons, and Jessay Martin) share funny sketches and life experiences on TikTok and Instagram, gaining over 3 million followers.

As a 50-plus woman, I am appreciative to see the world taking notice of these creators online.  For some of us older generations on the internet, it’s all about being seen, heard, and understood.

There is also an element of hope and inspiration that accompanies these social media feeds.  Not already following a baby boomer, or  GenXer like myself, maybe you should.  There is a lot that can be learned about life through experience and we have plenty.