The Top 10 Elderly Influencers of 2025

Social media stardom isn’t just for the young. In fact, the top elderly influencers – often endearingly called “grandfluencers” – are proving that style, humor, and creativity only get better with age. People over 50 now comprise roughly 20% of global social media users, so it’s little wonder that savvy brands are embracing senior content creators in their influencer marketing campaigns. Many of these older influencers have amassed huge followings (even in the millions) and landed lucrative brand partnerships. Including older influencers helps diversify and intrigue audiences – it’s a refreshing break from the norm for digital advertising. Below, we highlight the top 10 elderly influencers making waves on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and beyond.

Top 10 Elderly Influencers to Follow

1. Lillian Droniak (Grandma Droniak)

At 94 years old, Lillian Droniak has become TikTok’s self-proclaimed “grandma of the internet.” She’s famous for her witty dating advice and even went viral sharing cheeky “rules” for her future funeral. With over 13 million followers on TikTok, Grandma Droniak proves age is just a number when it comes to commanding an audience. She’s been featured on national TV and says creating content makes her feel young again – inspiring millions of fans with her humor and honesty.

2. Helen Ruth Elam (Baddie Winkle)

Better known as Baddie Winkle, Helen Elam is a 94-year-old Instagram sensation who built a brand around breaking age stereotypes. Boasting over 3 million Instagram followers, Baddie Winkle is famous for her flamboyant fashion, neon outfits, and irreverent catchphrase “Stealing your man since 1928”. This great-grandmother’s colorful, body-positive posts have led to partnerships with major brands and even appearances on MTV, proving that bold style and confidence have no expiration date.

3. Iris Apfel

A centenarian fashion icon, Iris Apfel has leveraged her legendary style into social media influence. Now 102 years old, Iris became one of the world’s oldest influencers, attracting 2.6 million followers on Instagram with her signature oversized glasses and “more is more, less is a bore” aesthetic. A successful businesswoman and interior designer, Iris even signed a major modeling contract at age 97. Her vibrant outfits and entrepreneurial spirit continue to inspire younger generations, showing that trendsetters come in all ages.

4. Barbara “Babs” Costello (BrunchWithBabs)

Babs Costello, 74, skyrocketed to fame on TikTok for her warm cooking tutorials and “mom hacks.” Coached by her daughter during the pandemic, “Brunch with Babs” now has over 3 million TikTok followers (and 2+ million on Instagram). This grandmother of eight shares comforting recipes, household tips, and witty life advice. Her authentic charm landed her brand partnerships (from food products to healthcare) and even a cookbook deal – illustrating the power of senior content creators in today’s digital landscape.

5. Lili Hayes

Lili Hayes is a 75-year-old comedian on social media, known for her fiery humor and banter with her son. Originally from Europe and now in the US, Lili’s videos (often playfully mispronouncing modern slang or teasing her son) have drawn nearly 6 million fans on TikTok and hundreds of thousands on Instagram. She even hosted an art show in Los Angeles, proving her creativity spans mediums. Equal parts sassy grandma and internet comic, Lili Hayes brings a unique voice to influencer culture and keeps followers laughing with her timeless comedic timing.

6. Joan MacDonald (Train With Joan)

Joan MacDonald, 79, is a fitness influencer who completely transformed her health in her 70s and inspired millions in the process. Once struggling with weight and health issues, Joan started working out at age 70 with her daughter’s help and documented her journey. Today she has over one million Instagram followers following her fitness tips and motivational stories. Joan shares workout routines, healthy recipes, and before-and-after progress updates, proving it’s never too late to get in shape. Her uplifting posts encourage both older and younger audiences to live healthier lives – a true testament to perseverance at any age.

7. Joe Allington (Grandad Joe)

Known as Grandad Joe on TikTok, 89-year-old Joe Allington became a viral star during the pandemic with his wholesome, family-friendly comedy. He has amassed about 6 million followers on TikTok who love his cheeky dance videos and tongue-in-cheek humor. This British grandfather’s content – often created with help from his granddaughter – shows that goofing around on TikTok isn’t just for teens. When Joe shared a video about being stood up on a date, it received over a million likes and an outpouring of support from fans. Grandad Joe’s lighthearted videos prove that authenticity and a good laugh never get old.

8. Shirley Curry (Skyrim Grandma)

Shirley Curry is an 87-year-old gaming YouTuber lovingly nicknamed the “Skyrim Grandma.” She started her YouTube channel in her 70s, sharing Let’s Play videos of Skyrim and other games, and now has over 1 million subscribers. Shirley’s gentle demeanor and skilled gameplay earned her a devoted fan community in the gaming world. In fact, her popularity led game developers to plan a character based on her in the next Elder Scrolls video game. Despite health setbacks in recent years, Shirley’s passion for gaming and her supportive online community underscore the point that influencer marketing isn’t just a young person’s game – even a great-grandma can become a beloved gaming content creator.

9. “The Old Gays”

This fabulous friend group – Robert, Bill, Mick, and Jessay – collectively known as The Old Gays has taken TikTok by storm. With an average age in the mid-70s, the quartet has become a “TikTok sensation” with 11 million followers and counting. Their hilarious videos feature everything from dancing in speedos to reacting to pop culture, all with a message of joy and LGBTQ+ pride in later life. The Old Gays’ upbeat content has landed them appearances on TV, a spot on Forbes’ Top Creators list, and brand deals with companies like Netflix and Walgreens. By fearlessly being themselves, The Old Gays not only entertain millions but also challenge stereotypes about aging – showing the world that fun and fame can absolutely come after retirement.

10. Moon Lin

Moon Lin is a 94-year-old fashionista from Taiwan who proves you don’t need a huge following to make a big style statement. She has built a loyal audience of about 89,000 Instagram followers with her edgy streetwear outfits – often posing in sneakers, graphic tees and trendy looks that rival influencers one-quarter her age. Moon Lin gives Gen Z a run for their money, pairing veteran swagger with youthful fashion. Her motto: it’s never too late to embrace modern style and technology. As a micro-influencer in her 90s, Moon Lin exemplifies how micro influencers of any age can thrive by carving out a niche and keeping it real.

Why Brands Value Senior Micro-Influencers

Even though these stars range from “micro” to mega influencers, they all showcase why older creators are becoming a prized part of influencer marketing strategies. Here are a few reasons brands and e-commerce entrepreneurs are paying attention to the top elderly influencers today:

• • Authenticity & Trust

Older influencers often come across as genuine and down-to-earth, which audiences love. In fact, nearly 90% of consumers say authenticity is important when deciding which brands to support. A recommendation from a relatable grandma or grandpa figure can feel like advice from family, lending credibility that polished ads can’t match. This authenticity helps build trust with customers across generations.

• • High Engagement Rates

Many senior influencers operate in niche communities or have tight-knit followings, especially those considered micro influencers. Smaller accounts frequently see engagement in the 5%–20% range, far above the 1–3% typical for huge celebrity accounts. That means their audiences are highly attentive and interactive. Fans truly listen to these creators’ recommendations, which can lead to greater influence per follower. A passionate, engaged audience – even if not millions strong – can drive meaningful results for a brand.

• • Underserved Demographic Reach

Partnering with elderly influencers allows brands to connect with an often overlooked demographic online: seniors and Baby Boomers. People over 50 represent a large (and growing) segment of social media users, yet many marketers focus only on younger crowds. A senior influencer can speak directly to that older audience in an authentic way, while also appealing to younger fans who enjoy their content. This cross-generational appeal opens new customer segments for everything from lifestyle products to tech gadgets.

• • Unique UGC & Relatability

Older content creators tend to share stories, humor, and life lessons that cut through the social media noise. The user-generated content (UGC) they produce – whether it’s a heartfelt review or a funny skit – resonates as authentic content rather than obvious advertising. Brands can repurpose this content for their own marketing, adding social proof and a human touch to product pages or ads. In the competitive world of e-commerce, companies (including Amazon sellers) are increasingly turning to micro-influencers and creators to generate such genuine UGC and build consumer trust. The fact that these influencers are seniors only makes their content more novel, engaging, and shareable.

Conclusion to The Top 10 Elderly Influencers of 2025

In summary, the top elderly influencers are not just heartwarming stories – they’re powerful marketing partners in the digital age. They exemplify how influencer marketing has evolved to include micro influencers of all ages, delivering strong engagement and authenticity. Brands and Amazon sellers can gain an edge by collaborating with these senior creators, who bring wisdom, wit, and loyal followings to the table. By embracing influencers from Gen Z to the Greatest Generation, marketers can spark conversations across generations and drive e-commerce growth with content that truly connects. The rise of grandfluencers shows that social media influence has no age limit – and that’s a win-win for audiences and brands alike.