Social media is often said to be a young person’s business. And yet a new generation of creators is shaking up the rules on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube: our elders.
Far removed from the image of the older person isolated or left behind by technology, senior influencers are arriving with contagious humour, disarming authenticity and a joy for life that does you good. Their aim? To prove that life after 60, 70, 80 and even 100 is a vibrant time, full of self-confidence and creativity.
For you, seniors, these accounts are a source of inspiration and of seeing yourselves represented. For you, families of seniors, they are a wonderful bridge for building connection and discovering another side of this generation. Let’s take a look together at these personalities who are breaking the clichés.
Why does this phenomenon matter?
These new faces on social media are far more than a passing trend. They are helping to change the way we look at old age. By sharing their everyday lives unfiltered, they remind us that passions, humour and the desire to pass things on have no age limit. Their motto? “Age is all in the mind!” They invite us, and our families, to see the passing years not as an ending but as a wonderful time of expression, freedom and inspiration.
A closer look at the people who inspire us
The comedians who lighten the mood
Studio Danielle & Arthur: There is no missing this close-knit duo! With over a million followers, Danielle (the “grandmother your grandmother wishes she had”) and Arthur delight us with their comedy videos, their pranks and their tender everyday moments. Their recipe: a 38-year age gap and a friendship that proves good humour is timeless.
Valérian, Josette & Claude (@valeriandhs): Another trio going strong on TikTok with its offbeat, cross-generational humour. Further proof that laughter brings grandchildren and grandparents together.
Fernande (101) & Mélanie: At 101, Fernande is arguably the oldest influencer of all. On TikTok she shares her daily life with her granddaughter Mélanie, with incredible humour and mischief. A real lesson in living!
Beauty and well-being, no hang-ups
Nicole Tonnelle: A former beautician, Nicole has turned YouTube and TikTok into her new advice studio. Make-up, skincare, well-being, she shares practical, inspiring tips for looking after yourself after 60, with kindness and good cheer.
The anti-ageism campaigners
Caroline Ida Ours (@fiftyyearsofawoman): A model and committed influencer, Caroline is a genuine campaigner. On Instagram she fights ageism and champions body positivity without taboos. She tackles essential subjects such as the menopause, accepting your body and the lack of visibility of older women. Her message is universal: love and self-confidence have no age and no gender.
The lifestyle bloggers full of life
Virginie (Jeune Vieillis Pas): Writing with a warm, authentic voice, Virginie shares her “pro-age” tips, her lifestyle favourites and her travels on her blog. She also creates inspiring portraits of people who have changed their lives to follow their passion.
Jany: This micro-influencer from the PACA region is a dynamic former dental surgeon. On her blog she writes energetically about fashion, beauty, interiors and travel. A blog bursting with ideas for staying curious and active.
The enthusiasts who pass it on
Françoise: Present on YouTube and Twitch, Françoise is retired but never stops. Her goal: to demolish every cliché about seniors! She shares advice on preparing well for retirement, ideas for activities between grandchildren and grandparents, and hobbies for all generations. Her guiding thread: humour!
Shirley Curry: From the United States, this 89-year-old “gaming grandma” is a superstar! Her YouTube channel, where she shares her gaming sessions (notably Skyrim), is followed by 1.3 million people. She proves that a passion for gaming has no age, and also moves us with her everyday-life vlogs.
Mamou.media: A participatory, citizen-led media outlet whose motto says it all: “What is passed on never disappears.” A platform where older people talk, learn and share.
The new media talking about them
Les Pipelettes.tv: “They are over 70 and they don’t hold back.” This band of straight-talking grandmothers discusses everything, and sex above all, with tender, no-nonsense humour.
Vieux le mag: Led by Antoine de Caunes, this current-affairs magazine speaks to everyone who feels that “old age is the last great adventure”.
Senior, ET ALORS ?: A podcast that gives seniors a voice and revisits received ideas about ageing.
What if you gave it a try too?
Do you feel you have an influencer in you? What matters is not fame but sharing. Whether your passion is gardening, cooking, history or fashion, your experience and your outlook are unique.
Our tip to get started: Authenticity is your greatest strength. Choose the subject you are genuinely passionate about and the platform that feels most natural to you. The goal is to build a real connection with your community.
So, convinced? Follow, like, share… and who knows, take the plunge! The new connected generation is you.