Lillian Droniak and three older creators describe life behind their social media followings

Lillian Droniak, a 96-year-old Connecticut creator known as Grandma Droniak, is among four older women describing how social media has brought them audiences, paid work and new connections in a BBC News profile published on October 22. The BBC reported that Droniak has 15 million followers and says her online earnings cover her nursing home fees.

Droniak told the BBC that her grandson began helping her post videos in 2020. He now edits sponsored content for food and beauty brands. She said the income pays her reported $12,000 monthly nursing home fees and contributes to a college fund for her great-grandchildren. Describing what she wants younger viewers to see, she said: ‘We embrace it, can still have fun and I’m still partying and going out sometimes.’

How Viv Truran and Nonna Gracie built their audiences

Truran said she makes a couple of sponsored posts a month and prefers local brands and charities. She said she has rejected larger offers when the brand did not suit her. Age UK paid her several thousand for a recent campaign, according to the BBC. Her choices show how creator work can become a business while remaining tied to what she wants to recommend.

Grace Geramita, 85, known online as Nonna Gracie, has millions of followers for cooking videos, the BBC reported. Her grandson proposed filming her six years ago. Geramita said she had initially been reluctant because she knew little about social media and was unsure of her English. She told the BBC that sharing recipes also lets her pass on a tradition of bringing family together around the table.

Brand work and the appeal of older creators

Barbara Costello, 77, a former teacher who posts as Brunch with Babs, shares cooking, cleaning and homemaking advice. She told the BBC that followers compare her with their mothers and grandmothers, while a student once told her a cookbook had helped during a first year of living independently. Costello also works with brands but said she considers carefully what she is willing to endorse.

Naomi Baker of influencer marketing agency We Are Social told the BBC that older creators can appeal to brands because they have loyal communities. She also described them as a source of comfort for followers. Her assessment helps explain the partnerships the women described, though their accounts show different approaches to sponsorship.

Droniak’s parties had previously prompted a dispute at her residence. In June, Us Weekly reported her claim that she had been warned about parties and alcohol, and said her representative told People the dispute was resolved. The BBC later reported that the home confirmed the threat and reached an agreement allowing her to continue holding parties, provided she did not supply alcoholic drinks.