// BBC BUSINESS NEWS — FINANZA
'I'm 96 and have 15 million followers': The grannies taking over TikTok
Grandma Droniak pays for her care home fees with the money she makes from brand deals on social media
Ninety-six-year-old Lillian Droniak, known as Grandma Droniak to her social media followers, went viral in June after claiming her retirement home had threatened to evict her for throwing parties.
The home later confirmed the threat, but reached a settlement with Droniak that allowed her to keep partying – but not supply alcoholic drinks.
With 15 million followers, Droniak has turned her personality into a lucrative business, earning enough from social media to cover her nursing home fees of $12,000 (£9,000) a month.
The Connecticut grandma is one of many older women finding unexpected fame online, with most of their audiences often young enough to be their grandchildren.
From fashion and food to dating and homemaking, they are finding new audiences and, in some cases, a new lease of life.
"I always knew I had it in me to be famous, I just didn't think it would happen in my 90s," Droniak tells me, explaining that her grandson began helping her post videos in 2020, initially out of boredom.
She believes her appeal lies in showing younger people that life doesn't stop as you get older.
"They think old people just sit and stare at a wall but I'm showing it's not that bad to get old. We embrace it, can still have fun and I'm still partying and going out sometimes."
Her grandson edits her sponsored content, which includes partnerships with food and beauty brands. As well as paying for her nursing home fees, the money also goes towards a college fund for her great-grandchildren.