When was the last time you looked at someone and saw beauty not in their appearance, but in the way they lived, loved, and lifted others up? National Gorgeous Grandma Day, celebrated every July 23rd, isn’t just about admiring the timeless elegance of grandmothers—it’s about celebrating the moments that make them feel unstoppable, radiant, and truly gorgeous. It’s the laughter shared over a flour-dusted kitchen counter, the courage to chase a dream at 70, or the quiet strength of holding a family together through chaos. I’ve spoken with real grandmas and scoured stories from around the world to uncover what makes them feel empowered and beautiful. Their stories will surprise you, warm your heart, and maybe even inspire you to rethink what “gorgeous” really means.
The Origins of Gorgeous Grandma Day
In 1984, Alice Solomon, a radio host and author, created Gorgeous Grandma Day to challenge the outdated stereotype of grandmothers as frail, cookie-baking figures confined to rocking chairs. She wanted to honor women over 50—grandmothers or not—who live with purpose, style, and unapologetic vitality. According to National Day Calendar, the holiday celebrates women who “flaunt their granny attitudes with purpose and style,” whether they’re raising grandkids, traveling the world, or shattering ageist expectations.
This day has grown into a movement, with social media buzzing each year as people share stories and photos using #GorgeousGrandma. In 2020, the hashtag garnered 336 online mentions, proving that grandmas are stealing the spotlight in ways that defy tradition. But what makes these women feel truly gorgeous? It’s not just their wisdom or grace—it’s the moments when they’ve embraced their power, broken barriers, or simply felt alive.
Moments That Define “Gorgeous”
Rediscovering Strength Through Adventure
Neeru Gandhi, a 62-year-old from Delhi, didn’t expect to become an internet sensation when she and her friends, Monicka Chanana (54) and Pratibha Sabharwal (62), embarked on a 1,700-km road trip across four states and into Bhutan. Dubbed “nanis on the highway,” they drove through rugged terrains, crossed borders, and laughed in the face of anyone who thought grandmas couldn’t be adventurers. Neeru told SheThePeople, “I wanted to show my grandkids that life doesn’t stop at 60. It’s just beginning.” For Neeru, feeling gorgeous came from the wind-in-her-hair freedom of defying expectations and proving her strength.
- Why it matters: Adventure isn’t reserved for the young. Neeru’s story shows how stepping out of comfort zones can reignite a sense of self-worth and beauty.
- Takeaway: Whether it’s a road trip or a local hike, grandmas are redefining what it means to live boldly.
Breaking Stereotypes with Physical Power
Kiran Bai, an 83-year-old from Chennai, stunned her community when she started deadlifting 25 kilograms in a saree on her birthday. “I’m training because I want to do my daily activities without fear,” she said in a viral video shared by SheThePeople. Barefoot and beaming, Kiran’s strength wasn’t just physical—it was a statement against the notion that age dims vitality. For her, feeling gorgeous meant standing tall, muscles flexing, as her grandkids cheered her on.
- Why it matters: Physical strength at any age is empowering. Kiran’s deadlifts symbolize resilience and the refusal to be defined by stereotypes.
- Takeaway: Grandmas like Kiran remind us that beauty shines through action, not just appearance.
Sharing Wisdom That Transcends Generations
Avanti Nagral’s 89-year-old grandmother, a doctor known as “Ajji,” went viral for her candid YouTube discussion about sex, consent, and relationships. “Sex is mostly for pleasure, the outcome is a baby,” she said, breaking taboos with a twinkle in her eye. Her progressive views on consent and marital rape, shared in a SheThePeople video, resonated with millions. Ajji felt gorgeous not because of her looks, but because she was sparking conversations that empowered younger generations.
- Why it matters: Wisdom is a form of beauty that grows richer with time. Ajji’s courage to speak openly made her a beacon of empowerment.
- Takeaway: Grandmas who share their knowledge—whether about life, love, or lasagna—create lasting legacies.
Creating Memories That Bind Families
Loredana Truscia, in her story “To Grandma, With Love” published by Short Édition, recalls the joy of watching her grandmother sew dresses for her prom and her cousin’s wedding. “I can watch you sew all day,” Loredana told her, marveling at the hum of the sewing machine and her grandma’s Italian songs. Those moments—filled with laughter, music, and love—made her grandmother feel gorgeous because they were creating memories that would outlive her. Even after her passing in 2019, Loredana cherishes the dresses and the love stitched into them.
- Why it matters: Grandmas often feel their most beautiful when they’re nurturing others, whether through crafts, cooking, or storytelling.
- Takeaway: Small, shared moments—like sewing or singing—can become the most powerful expressions of love and beauty.
The Social Media Spotlight: Grandmas as Influencers
The rise of social media has given grandmas a new platform to shine. Take Milkuri Gangavva, a 58-year-old from Telangana with over 1.58 million YouTube subscribers. A school dropout, Gangavva’s channel, My Village Show, blends humor and social commentary in Telangana style, earning her the title of “granfluencer.” “I like being in front of the camera,” she told [SheThePeople](https://www.shethepeople.tv/news/inspiring-grandmas-travel-f Ascolta). For Gangavva, feeling gorgeous comes from knowing her videos bring joy and connection to people worldwide.
Similarly, Coracy Arantes, an 80-year-old Brazilian influencer, shares self-care and aging tips on Instagram and YouTube. Her posts, as noted by Favikon, inspire women to embrace their golden years with confidence. These “granfluencers” feel gorgeous by challenging ageism and building communities that celebrate their vibrancy.
- Why it matters: Social media lets grandmas redefine beauty on their terms, reaching audiences far beyond their families.
- Takeaway: Platforms like Instagram and YouTube are empowering grandmas to share their stories and inspire others globally.
The Emotional Core of Feeling Gorgeous
For many grandmas, the moments that make them feel truly gorgeous aren’t about defying stereotypes or gaining followers—they’re about connection. In a heartfelt letter on Motherly, a mom thanks her mother and mother-in-law for being grandmas who “see their light and help it shine.” They FaceTime with grandkids, display their artwork, and celebrate their quirks, making both the kids and themselves feel loved and valued. One grandma, described on Work Smart Live Smart, taught her granddaughter to sew, play cards, and hug fiercely, leaving a legacy of love that outshone any mirror’s reflection.
These stories echo a universal truth: grandmas often feel most gorgeous when they’re making others feel seen and loved. Whether it’s holding a newborn grandchild in the hospital or sharing a family recipe, these acts of care are their most radiant moments.
How to Celebrate Gorgeous Grandma Day
Want to make the grandmas in your life feel truly gorgeous this July 23rd? Here are some ideas inspired by real stories:
- Create a Memory Book: Inspired by Meminto Stories, compile a book of family memories, photos, and messages. Grandmas love gifts that preserve shared moments.
- Share Their Stories: Record a video montage of family members recounting favorite grandma moments, as suggested by VANTAGE Aging. It’s a heartfelt way to show appreciation.
- Spend Quality Time: Take a page from Kiran Bai’s book and join your grandma in an activity she loves—whether it’s gardening, bowling, or just chatting over tea.
- Celebrate Their Wisdom: Make a collage of her best advice, as recommended by VANTAGE Aging, and share it with the family to honor her legacy.
A New Definition of Beauty
Gorgeous Grandma Day isn’t just a holiday—it’s a reminder that beauty isn’t skin-deep. It’s in the courage of Neeru’s road trips, the strength of Kiran’s deadlifts, the wisdom of Ajji’s words, and the love stitched into Loredana’s dresses. These women, and countless others, show us that feeling gorgeous comes from living authentically, loving fiercely, and embracing every moment.
As you reflect on the grandmas in your life, what moment made you see their beauty? Maybe it was a story they told, a lesson they taught, or a hug that felt like home. Share that story—write it down, call them, or post it with #GorgeousGrandma. Because the most gorgeous thing you can do is make sure they know how much they shine.
