When my grandmother, Rose, turned 70, she traded her sensible cardigans for a leather jacket and started posting selfies on Instagram with captions like, “Age is just a vibe.” I thought she was just having a moment, but it turns out she’s part of a revolution. Across America, grandmas are redefining what it means to age, embracing style, strength, and social media with a confidence that’s turning heads and breaking stereotypes. Welcome to the era of the gorgeous grandma—a movement so vibrant it deserves its own day of celebration.
Gorgeous Grandma Day, observed every July 23, isn’t just a quirky calendar event. It’s a nod to the women who are rewriting the narrative of aging with bold fashion, fierce independence, and digital fluency that rivals their grandkids’. These women aren’t just knitting scarves or baking cookies (though they might do that, too). They’re influencers, entrepreneurs, and fitness buffs, proving that life after 60 is anything but quiet. Let’s dive into how these stylish, strong, and social media-savvy grandmas are reshaping culture and why they’re the role models we didn’t know we needed.
The Evolution of the American Grandma
The image of a grandma once conjured up aprons, rocking chairs, and maybe a perm. But today’s grandmothers are a far cry from that outdated stereotype. According to a 2018 study by the Pew Research Center, the number of adults over 65 using social media has skyrocketed, with 46% of seniors active on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. These women aren’t just lurking—they’re creating, curating, and commanding audiences.
Take Lyn Slater, better known as Accidental Icon. At 64, this Fordham University professor turned Instagram star with over 700,000 followers. Her eclectic style—think Comme des Garçons layered with consignment store treasures—has made her a fashion icon for millennials and boomers alike. “I’m not 20. I don’t want to be 20, but I’m really freaking cool,” she told The New York Times in 2018. Her story isn’t an outlier. From Maye Musk, a 70-year-old model featured in Harper’s Bazaar, to 93-year-old Emiko, a Japanese grandma modeling rainbow-hued designs on Instagram, older women are proving that style and influence have no age limit.
Why the shift? For one, baby boomers—today’s grandmas—are healthier, wealthier, and more connected than previous generations. The Elastic Generation study by J. Walter Thompson found that women over 50 are often entrepreneurs, adventurers, or marathon runners, living lives driven by values, not age. They’re also a powerful economic force, with spending power often overlooked by advertisers. Yet, as the study notes, these women are still underrepresented in media, making their social media presence even more subversive.
Style That Defies Age
Walk through any major city, and you might spot a grandma rocking a bold red lip, a tailored blazer, or even a pair of chunky sneakers. Fashion has become a playground for these women, who are ditching frumpy stereotypes for self-expression. Take Glamma Beijing, a group of Chinese grandmas who went viral in 2019 with a 15-second clip of their chic street style, amassing over 500,000 followers on TikTok. Their vibrant outfits—bright colors, mixed patterns, and fearless textures—prove that age doesn’t dictate what you wear.
Then there’s Iran Khanoom, a 94-year-old Parisian grandma whose Instagram is a masterclass in elegance. Her posts, blending family moments with creative lifestyle tips, show that style is timeless. As she wrote in a recent caption, “Life repeats itself, but your style doesn’t have to.” Her feed, filled with tailored coats and statement jewelry, inspires followers of all ages to embrace their individuality.
This trend isn’t just anecdotal. A 2021 report by Making it in Manhattan highlighted the rise of “fashion grandmas” who are influencing trends on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Designers are taking notice, with brands like Armani and Lancôme featuring older models like Yasmin Le Bon and Isabella Rossellini. But these campaigns aren’t just tokenism—they reflect a growing demand for representation. As Ari Seth Cohen, creator of the Advanced Style documentary, puts it, “If they were stylish in their youth, they will still be stylish now. They continue to be who they were.”
Tips to Channel Your Inner Fashion Grandma
- Mix It Up: Combine high-end pieces with thrift store finds for a unique look.
- Bold Accessories: Statement necklaces or colorful scarves can elevate any outfit.
- Comfort Meets Chic: Opt for tailored pieces that feel good but look sharp, like a well-fitted blazer or stretchy, stylish jeans.
- Color Play: Don’t shy away from vibrant hues or patterns—confidence is key.
Strength in Body and Spirit
Beyond style, these grandmas are redefining strength. Physical fitness is a cornerstone for many, with women over 60 hitting the gym, practicing yoga, or even competing in marathons. According to the CDC, 28% of adults over 65 engage in regular physical activity, a number that’s been steadily rising. Take Idaprester, a 70-year-old retired chemist who plays tennis, performs in a wind orchestra, and teaches her grandkids geography. Her Instagram is a vibrant mix of workout selfies and family adventures, showing that strength isn’t just physical—it’s a mindset.
Mental and emotional resilience is just as crucial. Coracy Arantes, an 80-year-old Brazilian influencer, uses her platform to share insights on self-care and aging gracefully. Her posts about embracing pleasure at any age resonate with thousands, proving that strength comes from within. “Aging is about living fully, not fading away,” she wrote in a recent YouTube video. Her words echo a broader truth: these women are reclaiming their narratives, refusing to be sidelined by societal expectations.
This strength also shows up in their roles as family anchors. Dr. Kathleen Stassen Berger, a developmental psychology expert, notes that the grandparent-grandchild bond is often “sweeter” than parent-child relationships, free from the pressures of discipline. Grandmas like Lillie Heffley, an 83-year-old from Indiana, use Facebook to stay connected with her 18 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, sharing love and wisdom across generations.
Social Media Savvy: Grandmas in the Digital Age
If you think social media is just for teens, think again. Grandmas are ruling platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, with some boasting millions of followers. Take @grandma_droniak, a TikTok star with over 4 million followers, whose sassy videos about dating and life advice have made her a viral sensation. Or Baddie Winkle, an 88-year-old whose bold outfits and cheeky captions have earned her a cult following. These women aren’t just participating—they’re shaping online culture.
What’s driving this digital takeover? For one, social media offers connection. As Saffron Cassaday, director of the Cyber Seniors documentary, explains, “As you get older, you become socially isolated, especially when your family lives far away. So an opportunity to get online and see what their grandkids are up to? That really appeals to them.” Platforms like Facebook, where 59% of adults over 65 are active, allow grandmas to bridge distances and share their lives.
But it’s not just about staying in touch. These women are building communities and businesses. Ania Oka, a lifestyle blogger, uses her podcast and Instagram to empower women over 40, tackling topics like menopause and career shifts. Her candid posts resonate with thousands, showing that social media is a tool for influence and impact. Similarly, Teresa Bell Kindred of NanaHood.com turned her blog into a thriving platform, sharing parenting tips and personal stories with a global audience.
Social Media Tips from Savvy Grandmas
- Be Authentic: Share your real self—quirks and all—to connect with followers.
- Engage Wisely: Comment on your grandkids’ posts, but avoid overwhelming their feeds.
- Stay Safe: Adjust privacy settings to control who sees your content.
- Have Fun: Experiment with trends, like TikTok dances or Instagram Reels, to keep things fresh.
Why Gorgeous Grandma Day Matters
Gorgeous Grandma Day isn’t just a feel-good holiday—it’s a cultural moment. It celebrates women who are defying ageism, embracing their individuality, and inspiring others to do the same. These grandmas are role models, not just for their peers but for younger generations who see them as proof that life doesn’t dim with age. As Dr. Berger puts it, “Grandparents don’t have to get involved with raising kids in the same way that parents do. They are mostly experiencing the fun parts!”
Yet, there’s a deeper significance. In a society where 1 in 5 people over 65 live alone, social media offers a lifeline, fostering community and combating isolation. For grandmas like Lyn Slater or Iran Khanoom, their online presence isn’t just about likes—it’s about creating a sense of belonging. As Ari Seth Cohen notes, “For some of these women, Instagram can lead to long-distance friendships, real-life encounters, dinner parties, and other events that combat isolation.”
Challenges and Triumphs
Of course, it’s not all hashtags and glamour. Social media can be a minefield, with privacy concerns and unwanted attention. Jan Correll, a 60-year-old Instagrammer, told The New York Times she’s constantly deleting inappropriate messages from men. “Sometimes it scares me,” she admitted. Yet, she persists, using her platform to share her love of fashion and connect with others.
There’s also the learning curve. While many grandmas are tech-savvy, others face hurdles mastering platforms. Programs like Cyber Seniors help bridge this gap, pairing teens with seniors to teach digital skills. Florence Detlor, a 103-year-old who met Mark Zuckerberg in 2012, called Facebook a “social animal” for bringing people together. Her enthusiasm shows that with a little help, anyone can join the digital party.
As we celebrate Gorgeous Grandma Day, it’s clear these women are more than a trend—they’re a movement. They’re challenging ageism, redefining beauty, and proving that influence knows no bounds. Whether they’re strutting in designer dresses, lifting weights, or posting viral TikToks, they’re showing the world that aging is an adventure, not an endpoint.
So, what’s next? As technology evolves, we’ll likely see even more grandmas embracing platforms like Threads or YouTube Shorts, sharing their wisdom and wit. Brands will continue to tap into their influence, recognizing their spending power and cultural clout. And perhaps most importantly, they’ll keep inspiring us to live boldly, no matter our age.
What’s one way you can celebrate the gorgeous grandma in your life—whether it’s your own grandma, a mentor, or even yourself? Maybe it’s sharing their story, trying their style, or just cheering them on as they shine. Because if there’s one thing these women teach us, it’s that life is too short to play small.
