At 90 years old, Granny Meiying has become an unlikely social media sensation, amassing over a million followers – predominantly Gen Z users – through vlogs sharing her culinary expertise and life wisdom. She represents a growing wave of elderly content creators across the Chinese mainland who are bridging generational gaps through digital platforms.
From demonstrating traditional pickling techniques to offering relationship advice, these seniors are redefining aging in the digital era. Their content often highlights practical skills like handicrafts, gardening, and home remedies, attracting young urban audiences increasingly disconnected from hands-on traditions.
This trend aligns with China's national initiatives promoting active aging and technological literacy among seniors. Government-supported programs have enabled older residents to participate in digital training workshops, while platforms like Douyin (China's TikTok) have seen a 300% year-on-year increase in content creators over 65 since 2022.
Sociology professor Dr. Lin Wei notes: 'The intergenerational exchange fulfills emotional needs for both groups. Youth gain ancestral knowledge, while elders find renewed purpose through community engagement.' This digital phenomenon has also sparked offline collaborations, with some creators hosting workshops teaching traditional skills to young professionals.
