Conchita de Fuentes, a 91-year-old grandma from Spain, has become an unlikely social media sensation and influencer. With over 130,000 followers on Instagram, she uses her platform to encourage older people to embrace life, regardless of their age. Her message is simple: “We are valuable and wonderful, no matter our age.”
While influencers are often associated with younger generations, Conchita has carved out a space in the digital world for seniors. Her popularity underscores a growing recognition of older voices in modern media culture. Through her Instagram videos, she spreads positivity and inspires her audience to remain active and engaged.
Influencers: The typical profile vs. Conchita
The typical profile of an Instagram influencer skews much younger, with most falling between the ages of 18 and 34. These influencers often focus on fashion, fitness, beauty, or travel, creating highly curated and aspirational content aimed at millennial and Gen Z audiences. Their followers engage with content that reflects contemporary trends and often seek inspiration for their own lifestyles.
Conchita, by contrast, represents a demographic that is rarely visible in the influencer world. At 91, she brings authenticity and lived experience to her content, which resonates deeply with older viewers. Her approach is less about perfection and more about relatability, offering practical advice and reflections on ageing with grace. This unique perspective makes her a trailblazer in the digital space, proving that social media can be inclusive and inspiring across generations.
Encouraging seniors to embrace life
Conchita’s Instagram is filled with weekly videos offering tips and reflections on life. Topics range from the decline of small neighbourhood shops to practical advice on hairdressing and the challenges of ageing. She discusses how her style has evolved, why heavy makeup no longer suits her, and shares her thoughts on friendships and favourite TV shows.
Her content resonates with older viewers who often feel overlooked in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. “Many older people spend their days waiting for life to pass,” Conchita says. “I want to change that.”
Writing her first book
Recently, Conchita published her first book, Ganas de Tener Ganas. El Poder de la Actitud (The Desire to Desire: The Power of Attitude). The idea for the book came about unexpectedly. She began dictating her thoughts to Yareli, a woman who assists her, which quickly grew into a manuscript.
Her children encouraged her to share the work with publishers, and Almuzara agreed to publish it. The book offers practical advice on joyful living, health, and maintaining a positive outlook. Conchita writes about the importance of exercise, a balanced diet, and nurturing emotional wellbeing.
Overcoming apathy in later life
One of Conchita’s main goals is to help seniors overcome apathy. She speaks candidly about the temptation to stay in bed on tough days but stresses the importance of staying motivated. “Life is beautiful at any age,” she says.
Conchita encourages her followers to try gentle yoga, foster friendships, and engage with different perspectives. “Older people need lots of friends,” she explains. “Nothing is more enriching than exchanging ideas with someone who thinks differently.”
From accidental fame to global reach
Conchita’s journey to Instagram fame began three years ago when her granddaughter filmed her giving advice and posted the video online. Her natural charisma and vitality resonated with viewers. Now, her daughter handles filming and uploading, with many of her reels attracting millions of views.
She believes her age plays a significant role in her popularity. “People are surprised to see someone my age sharing life advice and living with such energy,” she says. The positive responses she receives motivate her to continue creating content. “When someone tells me I’ve inspired them to make a change, that’s the greatest reward.”
Spreading positivity across generations
Through her videos and book, Conchita de Fuentes has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for seniors worldwide. Her message is clear: ageing is not the end, but a new chapter to embrace with enthusiasm. In a world often focused on youth, Conchita’s story reminds us all that life is worth celebrating at any age.
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