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Grannies Become TikTok Stars

Elderly influencers are changing perceptions about aging.
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Some grandmas are becoming famous online by using TikTok and Instagram. Grandma Droniak, who is 96 years old, gained 15 million followers by sharing her fun life at her nursing home. Her home agreed to let her have parties, but they said she cannot serve alcohol. Her videos are so popular that she earns enough money to pay for her care home fees and save for her great-grandchildren.

In Cardiff, 82-year-old Viv Truran started posting videos after the death of her husband to showcase her unique fashion style. She has over 800,000 followers and makes two videos every day from her bedroom studio. Truran is selective about brand deals, choosing local businesses and charities that mean a lot to her. Both grandmothers bring joy to their followers and show that getting older doesn't mean life stops being fun.

They inspire many younger people to embrace and enjoy life no matter the age. People love seeing their energy and positivity. This trend of older people on social media shows that age is just a number. Many are now realizing that there's no age limit to success or happiness. These famous grandmas prove it's never too late to try something new.

Original news source: 'I'm 96 and have 15 million followers': The grannies taking over TikTok – BBC News (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

📖 Vocabulary:

1. famous
2. followers
3. nursing home
4. alcohol
5. fees
6. showcase
7. selective
8. inspire
9. embrace
10. trends
11. energy
12. positivity

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

1. Describe a video you last watched on TikTok or Instagram.
2. Have you ever posted a video online? What was it about?
3. Who is your favorite online personality and why?
4. How do you think social media affects older people?
5. Share something fun you did with a family member recently.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. Who is Grandma Droniak?

2. How many followers does Grandma Droniak have?

3. Why isn't Grandma Droniak allowed to serve alcohol at her parties?

4. What does Viv Truran share in her online videos?

5. How many videos does Viv Truran make daily?

6. What message do these grandmas give to their followers?

7. What does the trend of older people on social media show?

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Some grandmas are becoming famous online by using and Instagram. Grandma Droniak, who is 96 years old, gained 15 million followers by sharing her fun at her nursing home. Her home to let her have parties, but they said she cannot serve alcohol. Her videos are so popular that she earns enough money to pay for her care home fees and save for her great-grandchildren. In Cardiff, 82- Viv Truran started posting videos after the death of her husband to showcase her unique style. She has over 800,000 followers and two videos every day from her bedroom . Truran is selective about brand deals, choosing local businesses and that mean a lot to her. grandmothers bring joy to their followers and show that getting older doesn't mean life stops being fun. They inspire many younger people to embrace and enjoy life no matter the age. People love their energy and positivity. This trend of people on social media shows that age is just a number. Many are now realizing that there's no age limit to or happiness. These famous grandmas prove it's never too late to try something new.

💬 Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think some grandmas are becoming popular online?
2. How do you feel about older people using social media?
3. Should there be an age limit for online platforms?
4. What content do you enjoy watching on social media?
5. Do you think everyone should try new things in their old age? Why?
6. How does social media influence your life?
7. What are some benefits of being popular online?
8. What are some challenges older people might face online?
9. How important is it to have a hobby or activity you enjoy?
10. Do you think stories like these change perceptions about aging?
11. Can online fame help with financial problems?
12. How important is positivity and energy in everyday life?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Click a dot next to a word, then click the dot next to its meaning to draw a line connecting them.

Words

1. famous
2. followers
3. nursing home
4. alcohol
5. fees
6. showcase
7. selective
8. inspire
9. embrace
10. trends
11. energy
12. positivity

Meanings

(A) a place where old people live and are cared for
(B) to motivate or encourage
(C) popular styles or changes over time
(D) drinks like beer or wine
(E) celebrated or known by many
(F) money paid for services
(G) careful in choosing
(H) to display or present
(I) people who support and watch someone online
(J) enthusiasm and strength
(K) to accept or hold onto
(L) the state of being hopeful or optimistic

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What are some grandmas becoming online?
(a) Invisible
(b) Forgotten
(c) Famous
(d) Lonely
2. What platform is Grandma Droniak using?
(a) Facebook
(b) TikTok
(c) Twitter
(d) MySpace
3. How old is Grandma Droniak?
(a) 90 years old
(b) 86 years old
(c) 76 years old
(d) 96 years old
4. What does Viv Truran show in her videos?
(a) Cooking recipes
(b) Unique fashion style
(c) Travel adventures
(d) Gardening tips
5. Why can't Grandma Droniak serve alcohol?
(a) Her home doesn’t allow it
(b) She doesn’t like it
(c) It’s too expensive
(d) It’s too hard to get
6. How many videos does Viv Truran make each day?
(a) One
(b) Five
(c) Two
(d) Three
7. What do these grandmas inspire others to do?
(a) Enjoy life no matter the age
(b) Stay serious
(c) Never try new things
(d) Ignore happiness
8. What is the main idea of older people using social media?
(a) They should stop
(b) It’s boring
(c) It’s a bad idea
(d) Age is just a number

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Viv Truran started posting videos before the death of her husband.
2. Some grandmas are becoming famous online by using TikTok and Instagram.
3. Getting older doesn't mean life stops being fun.
4. Viv Truran has under 100,000 followers.
5. Both grandmothers bring joy to their followers.
6. Grandma Droniak gained 15 million followers by sharing her fun life.
7. Viv Truran makes one video every week.
8. Grandma Droniak is 76 years old.

Writing Questions:

1. Write about a fun activity you would like to do with your grandparents.
2. Describe how social media can be both positive and negative.
3. Explain why trying new things is important at any age.
4. Write about a time you felt inspired by someone older than you.
5. Discuss what makes someone a good role model.

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