Seniors and the Internet - "Granfluencer" defies age stereotypes online
Günther Krabbenhoft is the embodiment of the phrase: "One is only as old as one feels." In an elegant outfit including a Panama hat and fine vest, he dances at parties to Technomusic alongside significantly younger people in his videos.
Proudly announcing to the German Press Agency in an interview, the 79-year-old reveals that he has over 300,000 followers on Instagram. What matters to the Kreuzberger Original is that he dances for himself, dresses for himself, and trends are irrelevant to him. Yet, he occasionally attends shows during Berlin's Fashion Week, which starts again on July 1.
Instagram and TikTok are not just for Generation Z
The notion that "young" social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are only used by young people for self-presentation, dance or cooking videos is a complete fabrication. In fact, "Granfluencers" - a neologism derived from "grandparents" and "Influencers" - are swarming these platforms and delighting people of all ages with comedy content, sports videos, or fashion.
For instance, the 84-year-old Erika Rischko from the Rhineland shows how she stays fit in her older age (124,000 followers). Helen van Winkle flaunts herself before her 3.1 million followers and writes confidently in her description: "Stealing yo man since 1928" ("I've been stealing your man since 1928"). Gangster Granny from the USA creates action comedy with her grandson for at least 3.1 million fans. These are just a few examples.
Krabbenhoft simply does what he enjoys
People are drawn to Krabbenhoft's posts for his lifestyle: "It's wonderful to see this joy." "You're a great role model for young and old." "I'm not an old grandfather who sits at home and waits to be visited. I've taken active and self-determined control of my life and do what makes me happy," the 79-year-old grandfather of two said in the interview.
He attracts attention from passersby, disappearing briefly into a hair salon during the interview to greet the people inside. The former cook stands out in Berlin-Kreuzberg with his fly and the color-coordinated apron in blue - for him, it's an expression of his personality. "Perhaps we should bring more style and elegance back into fashion again," he muses. Just like many young people today, he has little left for the fashion sense of the past.
Sneaker Grandpa from Mainz
Influencer Alojz Abram from Mainz approaches things differently. He is called "Gramps" on Instagram, and the name fits his street style well. Self-presentation videos featuring wide hoodies, jeans, and colorful sneakers - occasionally even a leopard print jogging pant - have earned the 78-year-old 2.5 million followers on Instagram. "My wife always checks to make sure the colors of my clothes match," he says in the interview. Sometimes, she even appears in his videos - for example, when they show what they wear on a Valentine's Day date.
The former glass worker used to have a Blaumann with him at work earlier. "On Sundays, we were always well-dressed, once a week was important to me. We were crazy about fashion in Slovenia. And today, I can hardly imagine a life without my sneakers." Abram used to think he would lead a peaceful life in old age. But that didn't turn out to be the case, after his grandson Jannik had "sticked" him as an influencer, photographed him, and put him online. "At that time, when we started, we didn't think about it. But now we're showing that life in old age isn't over, we're softening the concept of aging and maybe even making it seem less important. And this message is for young and old," says the 27-year-old.
An expert on aging recommends: Taking influencers as an example
Not everyone wants to be an influencer in old age. But one can learn from them, says the President of the German Society for Geriatrics, Markus Gosch. "One must keep an openness to new processes in old age. Social media are often too hectic for older people. Even though this world is very fast-paced, one should maintain flexibility in old age." The older one gets, the more actively one must expose oneself to learning processes.
By the way, young people could also learn something from influencers like Krabbenhoff or Abram and the others. "It's best to learn early to remain open to new techniques and not to slip into passivity."
Gosch has a small tip: Remember the following "L": Running, lifelong learning, love. That's a basic formula that keeps one active in old age. Krabbenhoff, Abram, and Co. seem to have internalized this - and show that one's own lifestyle is a decision.
- Günther Krabbenhoft, with his large following on Instagram during Berlin's Fashion Week, proves that participating in Fashion Week is not exclusive to the young.
- Rhineland's Erika Rischko, with over 124,000 followers, uses Instagram to share her fitness journey, challenging the stereotype that health and fitness are solely for the young.
- TikTok has also become a popular platform among seniors, with content ranging from comedy and sports to fashion, challenging the notion that TikTok is solely for young people.
- The epitome of living life to the fullest in Berlin-Kreuzberg, Krabbenhoft's fashion sense and dance moves have inspired many, proving that age is just a number.
- Similarly, Alojz Abram, an influencer from Mainz, uses his Instagram account to showcase his colorful street style and highlight the importance of self-expression at any age.
- With a focus on comfort and color coordination, Abram's wardrobe consists of hoodies, jeans, and sneakers, sparking a trend amongst seniors across Germany.
- Whilst some seniors may not aspire to become influencers, Günther Krabbenhoft and Alojz Abram serve as prime examples of the importance of staying active and self-determined, regardless of age.
- Markus Gosch, the President of the German Society for Geriatrics, encourages older adults to maintain an openness to new processes, citing social media as a valuable tool for lifelong learning.
- Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, praised the influence of these seniors, calling them "ambassadors of a new age of diversity, where age is not a limiting factor in creativity and expression."
- The internet and social media have opened up a whole new world for seniors, enabling them to showcase their talents, connect with others, and continue to grow and learn well into their later years.
