When we think of grandparents, we tend to imagine tender, wise, and endearing figures, but we rarely associate them with viral trends, video games, fitness routines, or extravagant fashion. However, a new generation of grandparents is breaking down stereotypes about old age and proving that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, have fun, and connect with the digital world. From those who conquer TikTok with humor and dance, to those who inspire with their creativity, style, or passion for video games, “influencer grandparents” are setting a new standard for aging: more active, authentic, and full of vitality.
Baddie Winkle
Baddie Winkle, whose real name is Helen Ruth Elam Van Winkle, is an American influencer grandmother born on July 18, 1928. She went viral on the internet and especially on Instagram in 2014, when her great-granddaughter posted a photo of her wearing modern and daring clothes. Since then, Baddie has amassed millions of followers with her flamboyant style, bright colors, and bold attitude, challenging age stereotypes and promoting body positivity and authenticity.
Grandad Joe
Grandad Joe is Joe Allington, a 92-year-old grandfather who went viral on TikTok. He rose to fame in 2020 when he joined TikTok with the help of his daughter Wendy and granddaughters, sharing family videos full of humor, nostalgia, and tenderness. He has millions of followers on the platform, where he shares his daily life and funny moments with his family, becoming a popular older influencer on social media.
Guadalupe Fiñana
Guadalupe Fiñana, known as the “dragon grandmother,” is a 90-year-old woman who went viral for her passion for the series “Game of Thrones” and the entire universe of “King’s Landing.” On social media, especially TikTok, she shares her charisma and unique expressions. She has also participated in MasterChef Grandparents, published a recipe book, and had a cameo in the series “House of the Dragon.” She is an inspiring figure for many generations on the internet.
Shirley Curry
Shirley Curry is an American gamer grandmother born on April 2, 1936, known as “Skyrim Grandma” for her popularity playing and making gameplay videos of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim on YouTube. She got started in video games thanks to her son, and in 2015 she began uploading videos of her Skyrim games, accumulating over a million followers. Her charisma and dedication made her a beloved figure in the gaming community, and even Bethesda, the game’s creator, promised to include her as a character in The Elder Scrolls VI. In 2024, she announced a temporary retirement, but she continues to be active with video game-related content. Shirley is a symbol that age is no barrier to enjoying and excelling at video games.
Luis Santini
Luis Santini is a Mexican grandfather influencer known on TikTok, where he has accumulated more than 1.1 million followers. He has become popular for his authentic, fun, and relatable content, which connects generations and has inspired many older people to actively participate in social media. Luis represents a new wave of grandfather influencers in Mexico who are changing perceptions about old age and technology.
Erika Rischko
Erika Rischko is an 81-year-old German grandmother who has become a viral star on TikTok thanks to her fitness and dance videos. She is known as the “fitness grandma” for showing exercise routines for older people with lots of energy and charisma, accumulating millions of followers and likes on the platform. Her content inspires people of all ages to stay active and healthy.
Grandpa Chan and Grandma Marina
Grandpa Chan and Grandma Marina are a Korean couple who have gone viral on Instagram and TikTok for their creative and artistic videos, such as drawing and dancing together. Their content reflects the tenderness and complicity of their relationship, which has won over thousands of followers on social media, making them popular figures who prove that age does not limit creativity or love on the internet. Erika Rischko is an 81-year-old German grandmother known as the “fitness grandma” on TikTok, where she has gained millions of followers with videos of exercise and dance routines for seniors, inspiring them to stay active with energy and joy.
These stories remind us that age is not a barrier, but an opportunity to rediscover oneself and share what one loves with the world. Influential grandparents not only entertain, they also inspire: they show that authenticity, joy, and curiosity are eternally viral. Perhaps the greatest lesson they leave us with is that growing older never means stopping living life to the fullest.