When Alice Solomon graduated from Wellesley College at 50 in 1984, she looked around and saw a world that dismissed women her age as “past their prime.” Society slapped the label “grandma” on them, as if their vibrancy and relevance faded with their fertility. Instead of accepting that narrative, she flipped it, creating National Gorgeous Grandma Day on July 23 to celebrate the fierce, fabulous women who defy stereotypes with every bold step. Grandmothers aren’t just the cookie-baking, story-telling matriarchs of our childhoods—they’re forces of nature, rewriting what it means to age. Here are 10 surprising things you probably didn’t know about the fierce women we call Grandma, backed by research, personal stories, and a whole lot of love.
1. Grandmas Are Evolutionary Superheroes
Grandmothers aren’t just the glue holding families together—they might be why humans live so long. The “Grandmother Hypothesis” suggests that women evolved to live well past menopause to help their grandchildren survive, boosting the species’ success. A 2019 study in Current Biology found that kids with grandmothers aged 50–75 had a 30% higher chance of surviving early childhood in historical populations, like 18th-century Finland. By taking on childcare and provisioning, grandmas freed up their daughters to have more kids, passing on longevity genes. This isn’t just ancient history—modern grandmothers still play this role, whether it’s babysitting so parents can nap or teaching grandkids life skills. Next time you see a grandma juggling a toddler and a grocery list, know she’s carrying an evolutionary legacy.
2. They’re Breaking Stereotypes with Style
Forget the rocking chair and knitting needles—today’s grandmothers are redefining what “old” looks like. About 10% of grandmas in the U.S. have tattoos, and that number’s climbing, according to a 2019 report from LiveAbout. They’re hitting the gym (43% exercise regularly), rocking bold fashion, and even learning pole dancing. My friend’s grandma, Linda, at 68, sports a leopard-print jumpsuit and runs a Zumba class for seniors. When I asked her why, she laughed and said, “Life’s too short to wear beige.” National Gorgeous Grandma Day, celebrated every July 23, was created to honor this spirit, challenging the outdated idea that women over 50 should fade into the background.
3. Their Brains Are Wired for Grandkids
Ever wonder why your grandma lights up when she sees you? Science has an answer. A 2021 study from Emory University scanned the brains of 50 grandmothers while they viewed photos of their grandchildren. The results? Their brains lit up in areas tied to emotional empathy, showing they’re hardwired to feel what their grandkids feel. When they saw pictures of their adult children, though, the response shifted to cognitive empathy—more about understanding than feeling. This “grandmaternal brain” explains why grandmas can sense your mood before you say a word and why their hugs feel like home.
4. Grandmas Are Younger Than You Think
Here’s a shocker: the average age of a first-time grandparent in the U.S. is just 48, per a 2002 AARP study. That’s right—many grandmas are still in their prime, juggling careers, travel, and grandkids. The world’s youngest grandmother, Rifca Stanescu from Romania, was only 23 when she earned the title. My cousin’s wife became a grandma at 45, and she’s out there hiking with her grandkids while running a small business. National Gorgeous Grandma Day reminds us that “grandma” doesn’t mean “old”—it means experienced, vibrant, and ready for anything.
5. They Control Serious Economic Power
Grandmothers aren’t just rich in wisdom—they’re often loaded with financial clout. Grandparents control up to 75% of the wealth in the U.S., according to a 2019 LiveAbout report. They’re not just spoiling grandkids with candy; they’re funding college accounts, buying homes, and shaping family legacies. My neighbor’s grandma, Ruth, at 72, manages a trust fund for her six grandkids while mentoring young entrepreneurs in her community. This economic influence makes grandmas key players in family decisions, proving they’re far from “retired” from impact.
6. They’re Tech-Savvy Trailblazers
Think grandmas are stuck in the analog age? Think again. About 75% of grandparents regularly use the internet, and many are active on social media, sharing #GorgeousGrandma posts or FaceTiming their grandkids. My grandma, at 76, sends me memes that are funnier than mine and has a TikTok account where she teaches crochet to thousands. A 2024 Honey Good post notes that grandmas are launching startups, blogging, and even gaming online, proving they’re not just keeping up—they’re setting trends.
7. Grandmas Are Better at Parenting (Their Words, Not Mine)
Here’s a bold claim: 63% of grandmothers say they’re better at caring for their grandkids than they were with their own kids, per a Holidays Calendar report. Why? They’ve got experience, patience, and a knack for letting the small stuff slide. My aunt, a grandma of three, says, “I was so stressed raising my kids, but with my grandkids, I just enjoy them.” This wisdom shines on Gorgeous Grandma Day, when we celebrate not just their love but their mastery of nurturing. They’re the ones who let you eat an extra cookie but still teach you manners.
8. They’re Cultural Icons Across the Globe
Grandmothers hold a special place in cultures worldwide, and their roles are as diverse as they are vital. In Japan, Keiro no Hi (Respect for the Aged Day) honors grandmas with festivals and family gatherings. In India, grandmothers, called “nani” or “dadi,” are revered as storytellers and tradition-keepers. My friend Priya shares how her nani’s bedtime stories about Indian folklore shaped her identity. National Gorgeous Grandma Day, while U.S.-centric, echoes these global traditions, celebrating grandmas as cultural anchors who pass down heritage with love.
9. Their Love Shapes Your Future
Grandmothers don’t just spoil you—they shape who you become. A 2009 University of Cambridge study found that grandmas’ involvement lowers child mortality and boosts academic and social outcomes. Kids raised by grandparents, like Barack Obama or Jack Nicholson, often credit their resilience to their grandmas’ fierce love. My own grandma taught me to stand up for myself, a lesson that carried me through tough times. On July 23, Gorgeous Grandma Day encourages us to thank these women for not just loving us but molding us into better humans.
10. They’re Defying Ageism with Sass
Alice Solomon created Gorgeous Grandma Day to smash the stereotype that women over 50 are “done.” Today’s grandmas are living proof: they’re starting businesses, running marathons, and rocking red lipstick like nobody’s business. A 2025 National Celebration Days post highlights icons like Betty White and Helen Mirren, who embody this fierce spirit. My mom’s friend, a 70-year-old grandma, just ran her first half-marathon and celebrated with a martini. These women remind us that age is just a number, and Gorgeous Grandma Day is their victory lap.
How to Celebrate the Fierce Grandmas in Your Life
National Gorgeous Grandma Day on July 23 is your chance to honor these incredible women. Here are a few ways to make it special:
- Spend Quality Time: Take your grandma out for lunch, a spa day, or a fun activity like painting. My cousin and his grandma go fishing every year—she out-catches him every time.
- Share Their Stories: Post a photo or memory on social media with #GorgeousGrandma. It’s a way to celebrate her and connect with others.
- Listen and Learn: Ask her about her life, her dreams, or her secret cookie recipe. You’ll be amazed at what you discover.
- Pamper Her: Gift her something that makes her feel fabulous—a new scarf, a book, or even a handwritten note. My grandma treasures a card I made her more than any store-bought gift.
If you’re a grandma yourself, treat yourself! Take that class, wear that bold lipstick, or start that project you’ve been dreaming about. You’re not just gorgeous—you’re unstoppable.
A Reflection on the Power of Grandmas
As I think about my own grandmother, I’m struck by how she’s more than a family member—she’s a legacy. Her laughter, her stories, and even her stubborn insistence on making me eat seconds of her lasagna have shaped me in ways I’m still discovering. National Gorgeous Grandma Day isn’t just a holiday; it’s a reminder to see these women for who they are: fierce, wise, and endlessly inspiring. So this July 23, let’s raise a glass (or a cookie) to the grandmas who make life richer. What’s one thing your grandma taught you that you’ll never forget? Share it, and let’s keep their stories alive.
