There is a growing trend of elderly women becoming influencers on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Lillian Droniak, also known as Grandma Droniak, at age 96, has captivated a young audience by sharing her life at a Connecticut retirement home, leading to her gaining 15 million followers. After a dispute about hosting parties there, she now continues her activities without serving alcohol. Her content production has grown into a lucrative business that meets her care home fees and helps fund her great-grandchildren's education.
Another influencer, Viv Truran from Cardiff, became active on Instagram to cope with the loss of her husband, showcasing her vibrant wardrobe to over 800,000 followers. Her videos are produced in her converted bedroom studio, and she is meticulous about logging follower interactions. Truran receives numerous brand deal offers but partners only with those she believes in, giving priority to local brands and initiatives that resonate with her values.
These grandmothers are not just redefining public views on aging but are also creating a cultural shift toward acknowledging and celebrating mature lives. Their adventures online have endeared them as 'virtual grandmothers,' providing warmth and wisdom to their digital communities. Notably, they serve as living examples that meaningful and joyful engagement in life does not cease with age.
Influencer marketing professionals describe these senior creators as possessing highly loyal follower bases, making them attractive partners for brands looking to connect with consumers on a personal level. Their ability to convey authenticity and provide comfort makes them significant figures in the social media landscape.
Original news source: 'I'm 96 and have 15 million followers': The grannies taking over TikTok – BBC News (BBC)
🎧 Listen:
📖 Vocabulary:
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
1. Discuss something unique about your grandparents.
2. Share your favorite social media influencer and why you like them.
3. Talk about a time you learned from an older person.
4. Describe an Instagram or TikTok feature you enjoy.
5. List ways social media affects our daily lives.
🤔 Comprehension Questions:
They are becoming influencers on TikTok and Instagram.
She is a 96-year-old influencer living in a Connecticut retirement home.
She stopped serving alcohol at her parties.
She began using Instagram to cope with her husband's loss.
She chooses brands that align with her values and local initiatives.
They provide warmth and wisdom.
They see them as loyal and authentic partners.
🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
There is a growing trend of elderly becoming influencers on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Lillian Droniak, also known as Droniak, at age 96, has captivated a young audience by sharing her life at a Connecticut retirement home, to her gaining 15 million followers. After a about hosting parties there, she now continues her activities without serving alcohol. Her content production has grown into a lucrative that meets her care home fees and helps fund her great-grandchildren's . Another influencer, Viv from Cardiff, became active on Instagram to cope with the loss of her husband, showcasing her vibrant wardrobe to over 800,000 followers. Her videos are in her converted bedroom studio, and she is meticulous about logging follower interactions. Truran deal offers but partners only with those she believes in, giving priority to local brands and initiatives that resonate with her values. These grandmothers are not just redefining public views on aging but are also a cultural shift toward acknowledging and celebrating mature lives. Their adventures online have endeared them as 'virtual grandmothers,' providing warmth and wisdom to their digital communities. Notably, they serve as living that meaningful and joyful engagement in life does not cease with age. Influencer marketing professionals describe these senior creators as possessing follower bases, making them partners for brands looking to connect with consumers on a personal level. Their ability to convey authenticity and provide comfort makes them significant figures in the social media landscape.
💬 Discussion Questions:
1. What do you think about elderly people being influencers?
2. How do you feel when you see someone your grandparent's age on social media?
3. What impact do influencers have on our spending habits?
4. Why do you think authenticity is important for influencers?
5. What values should influencers promote online?
6. How can older generations contribute to social media?
7. Discuss the benefits and downsides of becoming an influencer.
8. Should there be an age limit for influencers? Why or why not?
9. How can influencers affect cultural perceptions of aging?
10. What role do you think influencers will play in the future of marketing?
11. How can influencers balance personal life and online presence?
12. What advice would you give to someone starting as a social media influencer?
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.
