In 2024, some of Instagram‘s biggest influencers aren‘t Gen Zers – they‘re in their 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond! Elderly influencers are dominating the platform with their humor, wisdom and iconic personal styles. If you haven‘t noticed this takeover by the "granfluencers", you‘re in for a fascinating look at the internet‘s latest phenomenon.
In this extensive guide, we‘ll dive deep on the top 10 elderly influencers on Instagram right now. You‘ll discover who these intriguing personalities are, what fuels their incredible success and how brands can benefit from partnering with them. We‘ll also look at the key trends driving elderly influencer growth overall.
Let‘s dig in!
Contents
- Why Elderly Influencers Are Exploding in Popularity
- The Top 10 Elderly Instagram Influencers in 2024
- 1. Helen Van Winkle (@baddiewinkle) – 3.5 Million Followers
- 2. Iris Apfel (@iris.apfel) – 2.1 Million Followers
- 3. George Takei (@georgehtakei) – 1.4 Million Followers
- 4. Lyn Slater (@iconaccidental) – 755,000 Followers
- 5. Lili Hayes (@lilihayesofficial) – 107,000 Followers
- 6. Ari Seth Cohen (@advancedstyle) – 318,000 Followers
- 7. Linda Rodin & Wink (@lindarodin) – 293,000 Followers
- 8. Sarah Adams (@saramaijewels) – 206,000 Followers
- 9. Moon Lin (@moonlin123) – 99,000 Followers
- 10. John Cornett (@johncornett) – 49,000 Followers
- Key Benefits for Brands Partnering with Elderly Influencers
- Tips for Aspiring Elderly Influencers
- Predicting the Future Rise of Elderly Influencers
Why Elderly Influencers Are Exploding in Popularity
In the last five years, the number of influencers aged 70 and over on Instagram has increased by a whopping 500%. Engagement rates for sponsored posts from the 65+ demographic are 70% higher than average. Clearly, elderly influencers are dominating Instagram lately.
But what‘s behind this meteoric rise? There are several factors at play:
Authenticity – In an era of curated perfection on social media, older influencers provide a refreshing dose of realness. Raw and unfiltered glimpses into their lives resonate strongly with cynical audiences.
Humor – Several successful elderly influencers embrace humor and refuse to take themselves seriously. Their comedic videos and parody sketches gain viral fame across generations.
Fashion – Elderly influencers are redefining ageless style and serving as inspiration for women over 60 on how to age stylishly. Their bold, vintage-inspired looks empower aging gracefully.
Nostalgia – Younger audiences crave a connection to history from older generations. Elderly influencers provide that nostalgia while encouraging all ages to stay present.
Novelty – The novelty of watching seniors excel at social media defies convention. It proves you‘re truly never too old to reinvent yourself.
Now let‘s profile our top 10 elderly influencers dominating Instagram in 2024.
The Top 10 Elderly Instagram Influencers in 2024
Follower Count of Top 10 Elderly Instagram Influencers
| Influencer | Follower Count |
|---|---|
| Baddiewinkle | 3.5 million |
| Iris Apfel | 2.1 million |
| George Takei | 1.4 million |
| Accidental Icon | 755,000 |
| Lili Hayes | 107,000 |
| Advanced Style | 318,000 |
| Linda Rodin | 293,000 |
| Sarah Adams | 206,000 |
| Moon Lin | 99,000 |
| John Cornett | 49,000 |
1. Helen Van Winkle (@baddiewinkle) – 3.5 Million Followers
94-year-old Helen Van Winkle, better known as Baddiewinkle, is the elder queen of Instagram influencers. Since joining in 2014, she‘s gained over 3.5 million followers through her youthful spirit and eccentric fashion.
Baddiewinkle embraces modern styles like tie-dye, fur coats, and graffiti prints, blending them with her vintage charm. "Stealing your man since 1928" is her cheeky catchphrase.
She‘s scored high-profile brand deals with Smirnoff Vodka, Fashion Nova, and investing app Stash. In 2019, Baddiewinkle made her magazine cover debut on Paper Magazine. To young fans, she represents aging fearlessly with style and swagger.
2. Iris Apfel (@iris.apfel) – 2.1 Million Followers
At 99 years old, fashion legend Iris Apfel has become Instagram royalty with over 2 million loyal followers. Her illustrious career as an interior designer led to status as a geriatric style icon.
Iris‘ feed showcases her famous bold accessories and eclectic mix of colors and patterns. She has an unmatched taste that oozes personality. Collaborations with Kate Spade, WiseWear, MAC Cosmetics cement her influencer status.
In 2022, the New Yorker was the subject of a documentary highlighting her enduring style and elegance. When it comes to timeless fashion, Iris Apfel reigns supreme.
3. George Takei (@georgehtakei) – 1.4 Million Followers
Initially known for playing Sulu on Star Trek, George Takei has reinvented himself as a social media star. His humor and commentary delight over 1.4 million loyal Instagram followers.
Now 85 years old, George mixes funny pop culture jokes with throwback acting photos and political opinions. In 2019 he published "Face with Tears of Joy", a book about his adventures in platforms like Instagram.
For younger audiences, George Takei represents a positive outlook on life and aging. His witty presence proves you‘re never too experienced to find joy through humor.
4. Lyn Slater (@iconaccidental) – 755,000 Followers
Professor Lyn Slater launched her Instagram in 2014 to document her stylish outfits as an older woman. Her fashion blog and social media gained the nickname "Accidental Icon".
With 755,000 followers, Lyn uses her platform to highlight emerging designers and diverse talents overlooked by mainstream fashion. She has scored partnerships with major brands like Land‘s End.
To women over 60, Lyn Slater sends the empowering message to embrace self-expression through style at any age. Her feed makes aging both graceful and bold.
5. Lili Hayes (@lilihayesofficial) – 107,000 Followers
Octogenarian comedian Lili Hayes has quickly amassed over 100,000 Instagram fans. She delights followers with upbeat music videos and sketches made with her filmmaker son Kevin.
Lili joined Instagram in 2020 and gained a loyal audience thanks to her contagious spirit and parody videos. In 2021, she launched a clothing line called YOUNG AT HEART that celebrates aging playfully.
For brands, Lili represents a viral opportunity to connect with older consumers through fun content that resonates across generations. Her videos highlight a young spirit in all of us.
6. Ari Seth Cohen (@advancedstyle) – 318,000 Followers
Photographer Ari Seth Cohen created the Advanced Style blog in 2008 to highlight senior street style. This spawned a book, film and Instagram showcasing creative fashion in older women.
With over 300,000 followers, Advanced Style celebrates leading ladies over 60 and their bold embrace of self-expression through clothing. The vibrant snapshots serve as inspiration for aging gracefully yet vibrantly.
For Ari, joy can be found in late stages of life through imagination and fearlessly exploring your personal aesthetic without limitation. Advanced Style pushes back against ageist assumptions in society.
7. Linda Rodin & Wink (@lindarodin) – 293,000 Followers
Former model and magazine editor Linda Rodin has become an Instagram darling alongside her adorable poodle Wink. Their adventures delight almost 300,000 fans.
Linda‘s feed includes glamorous lifestyle content and promotes her clothing line Winky Lux, designed for stylish dogs. The bond between Linda and Wink warms followers‘ hearts.
For brands seeking an influencer who oozes sophistication, Linda Rodin provides a golden opportunity to reach affluent female audiences 60+.
8. Sarah Adams (@saramaijewels) – 206,000 Followers
Septuagenarian Sarah Adams began a jewelry line called Sara Mai. She spreads inspiration through styling tips and behind-the-scenes brand content to over 200,000 Instagram followers.
Sarah messages that wrinkles are "stripes of life". She partners with brands aligned to her mission of redefining aging. Her jewelry has been featured in Vogue Italia.
For sponsors, Sarah provides an authentic voice to promote products to older consumers who appreciate her advocacy and statement pieces.
9. Moon Lin (@moonlin123) – 99,000 Followers
97-year-old Moon Lin stuns nearly 100,000 Instagram followers with her trendy street style in Taiwan. Moon sports vibrant, youthful looks with sneakers, graphic tees and sporty accessories.
Moon‘s grandson created her Instagram account in 2017, which quickly went viral. Her feeds celebrates playful fashion that defies expectations of senior style. Moon Lin proves bold looks have no age limits.
10. John Cornett (@johncornett) – 49,000 Followers
Australian grandfather John Cornett earned the nickname "Fruit Stand Dude" after being photographed in streetwear while shopping. The vintage enthusiast shares his outfits with 49,000 Instagram fans.
John‘s style features Supreme, Nike, WTAPS while proving personal taste has no age limits. He mixes youthful pieces with his trademark grey beard for looks as lively as his spirit.
For streetwear and sneaker brands, John represents an unexpected influencer to tap into older demographics who purchase for nostalgia or as gifts. His thirst for new collections inspires all ages.
Key Benefits for Brands Partnering with Elderly Influencers
For brands debating if elderly influencers are worth partnering with, the data makes a persuasive case:
- Adults 50+ represent over 70% of U.S. disposable income with $3.2 trillion in spending power
- Engagement rates on sponsored posts are 70% higher from users 65+
- 92% of consumers trust recommendations from influencers aged 60+
-Brands gain access to an audience they often overlook – seniors who control the majority of wealth
When partnering for sponsorships, brands should ensure the content aligns with the influencer‘s authentic personality – avoid over-editing and let their charm shine through.
Compensation should be fair according to audience size and reach. Always be respectful and cater sponsorship activation details to any needs an older influencer may have.
Tips for Aspiring Elderly Influencers
For seniors hoping to grow their personal brand, the key is determining your unique perspective and voice to share. Avoid imitating others. Play to your strengths and life experiences instead.
Post consistently to build an audience over time. Leverage humor when it comes naturally, along with jump on viral trends if it fits your brand. Collaborate with relevant sponsors when the partnership feels authentic.
Most importantly, focus on the joy of connecting with your community. Don‘t take growth or metrics too seriously. Have fun and success will follow!
Predicting the Future Rise of Elderly Influencers
As more active seniors join Instagram, the elderly influencer trend will only accelerate. Over the next decade, we‘ll see more granfluencers monetizing their brands and dispelling outdated ageist assumptions.
Elderly influencers provide cross-generational inspiration – reminding all ages to embrace joy and stay young at heart, no matter how many birthdays pass. Their bold personal styles and carefree humor contain wisdom anyone can learn from.
In 2024 and beyond, senior citizen influencers will continue redefining aging in the digital era. Their takeover is turning age into just a number.
We can all learn from these bold, creative personalities that it‘s never too late chase dreams or share your gifts with the world. Elderly influencers show life‘s possibilities are endless at any age.
