Günther Krabbenhöft, a 79-year-old Berlin native, embodies the adage "age is just a number" in his viral videos as he dances to techno beats alongside much younger crowds in Berlin, sporting an elegant ensemble complete with a Panama hat and tailored waistcoat.
Krabbenhöft, a grandfather to two, proudly tells dpa about his journey to amassing over 300,000 Instagram followers.
His personal expression takes precedence - he dances for himself, dresses for himself, and pays little heed to trends, he says.
Granfluencers : A global phenomenon
The notion that social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are solely domains of the young is being debunked by a growing number of 'granfluencers' - a word that blends grandparents and influencers - who captivate audiences with comedy, sports, and fashion.
Among them, 84-year-old Erika Rischko from western Germany shares her fitness regimen with 124,000 followers.
In the US, Helen van Winkle, at 93, flaunts her fashion sense to 3.1 million followers - her bio tag line is: "Stealing yo man Since 1928."
Sporting brightly coloured crochet tops, bikinis and bling, she redefines what senior can mean.
Another US influencer known as Gangster Granny collaborates on action-comedy with her grandson for a staggering 3.1 million fans. Her Instagram bio reads: "We’re Here For A Good Time, Not A Long Time."
These are just some of the seniors redefining digital storytelling.
Personal freedom and expression
Krabbenhöft’s online contributions earn praise for his zest for life. Comments range from "Great to see such joie de vivre!" to "You're an inspiration to young and old alike."
"I'm not the kind of grandfather who waits around at home," he says. "I've reclaimed my life and do what brings me joy."
Dressed sharply in Berlin's Kreuzberg district, Krabbenhöft’s bow tie and colour-coordinated accessories reflect his personality.
The retired chef advocates for a return to elegance in fashion, dismissing current trends favoured by younger generations.
The 'SneakerGrandpa' from Mainz
In contrast, influencer Alojz Abram, known as "Gramps" on Instagram, takes a different approach with a streetwear-inspired style.
His self-portrait videos in hoodies, jeans, and colourful sneakers have garnered him 2.5 million followers. "My wife ensures my outfits match," says the 78-year-old, laughing.
Occasionally, the duo from the western German city of Mainz share videos showcasing their couple style, such as on Valentine's Day.
Formerly a glazier in Slovenia, Abram used to always wear overalls to work. "But on Sundays, we were always nicely dressed, once a week that was important to me. We were crazy about fashion in Slovenia. And today I can hardly imagine life without my trainers," he says.
Abram used to think that he would lead a quiet life in his old age. But things changed after his grandson Jannik put him in streetwear, photographed him and put him online.
Jannik says, "We never expected this. But now, we're showing that life doesn't end in old age."
"We're softening the concept of ageing and maybe even making it seem less rigid. It’s a message that resonates with both young and old," says the 27-year-old.
Ageing expert says be inspired
Not everyone wants a side job as an influencer in old age. But everyone can learn from them, says Markus Gosch, president of the German Society for Geriatrics.
Gosch says, "You have to stay open to new processes as you age. For older people, social media is often overwhelming. Even though this world is very fast-paced, one should maintain flexibility in old age."
Incidentally, in his opinion, young people could also take influencers like Krabbenhöft or Abram and the others as role models.
Their stories serve as a reminder that ageing is not a barrier, but a journey enriched by personal choice and expression, Gosch says.
The "granfluencers" have discovered the formula for an active, fulfilling old age: "It's best to learn at an early age to remain open to new technologies and not slip into passivity," he says.
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