The folks trading retirement for influencer status

January 3, 2025

By Kim Komando

Who do you imagine when I say “social media influencer?” I’ll bet a young, hot model or a chiseled guy into cars. It’s time to expand your horizons.

I love that Joy Ryan didn’t even get her passport until she was 91. At 94, she’s on a mission to visit every continent with her grandson. So far, she’s at four out of seven. Joy is also the oldest person to visit all 63 U.S. national parks.

She’s posting “Grandma Joy’s Road Trip” on Instagram. She’s part of the trend of “grandfluencers” (“grandparent” and “influencer”) racking up millions of followers and fans of all ages. Maybe this is your sign to get this idea going with your grandparents, parents or even yourself.

Defying stereotypes

You probably think grandfluencers’ fans are older adults, too, right? Nope, most are young adults.

Take 94-year-old Lillian Droniak, aka “Grandma Droniak.” She went viral by laying down the three rules she wants people to follow at her funeral: Cry, but not too much (don’t embarrass yourself); Bertha isn’t invited (Who’s she?); and get drunk afterward.

Her 14.6 million TikTok followers love her sass, and I do, too. After she was hospitalized for breaking her leg, she shrugged it off, saying she “slayed too hard.” Love her.

Then, there’s 78-year-old Joan MacDonald. She was overweight and struggling with health issues. With the help of her daughter, a fitness coach, she now deadlifts 175 pounds for her 2 million Instagram followers and sports a bodybuilder’s physique, along with crop tops. She’s proof it’s never too late for a glow-up.

Offering up wisdom

Navy vet Kenny Jary, or “patriotickenny,” tells stories and tries out new tech with his 2.7 million followers. The 82-year-old has a chronic lung condition and gets around with a mobility scooter.

When Kenny’s last scooter broke down, his followers raised money for a new one. He’s since paid it forward and helped 119 other vets with their mobility needs. How awesome is that?

Be yourself

You don’t need to be a lifelong entertainer to gain a following on social media. Just share what you love.

That’s what second-grade math teacher Irvin Randle did. At 63, he moonlights as a fashion influencer and is a role model for his students. He gained fame after a photo of his sharp style went viral.

The dashing gentleman’s 1.7 million TikTok followers call themselves the “Silver Fox Squad” and have given him the title of #MrStealYourGrandma. Don’t worry, fellas — he’s been married for almost 40 years.

💸 ‘OK, how much money can I make?’

Fine. I know half of you skipped right to this section. It depends on how large your following is, your platforms and your niche.

Got just a couple thousand followers? You might pull in $20 for a sponsored post. If you have millions of followers, you could pocket $150,000 for one post. Most folks with a decent following make $1,000 to $5,000 per post.

Anyone can be an influencer

If you have a story to tell, skills to share or wisdom to pass down, get your butt in gear.

• Find your niche: What lights you up? Pick a topic where your passion will shine through.
• Choose your platform: Each social media site has its own thing. Instagram, TikTok and YouTube are all about video, and that’s where the money is right now.
• Make a standout profile: Make it short, sweet and packed with personality. Don’t forget a great picture. Smile, you star!
• Post regularly: Even once or twice a week can get you noticed. Pro tip: The best times to post are early morning, lunchtime and evening, when people scroll.
• Connect: Respond to comments, ask questions and chat with people. The more you engage, the more they’ll stick around.
• Be real: People love authenticity. They can get drama from reality TV.

Go on, hit “record” and share what you’ve got! You might just become everyone’s favorite follow.

😂 How can you tell the difference between an influencer and a computer scientist? Check how they pronounce the word “bios.”