'TikTok Grandma' Babs Costello, 77, Returns to Work as an Influencer and Finds Herself Busier Than Ever (Exclusive)

Barbara "Babs" Costello was well into her retirement when she unexpectedly became a social media sensation at the age of 72. Now 77, she is busier than ever, collaborating with pharmaceutical company Astellas and promoting the message: If you have your health, you have everything.

Youve been given this incredible gift of your body. Take care of it as best as you can, she emphasizes.

More than a decade after retiring, Costello found herself in a completely new spotlight. I didnt join social media until I was 72, and now my days are packed, she shares. Known as TikToks beloved grandma, she entertains millions with practical tipsfrom pumpkin carving to pest control, her secret being cinnamon.

Some people think life slows down at 40. Thats simply not true, she laughs.

Previously a preschool director, Costello now runs her popular Brunch with Babs channels, which have amassed over 8 million followers. She describes her unexpected fame as a wonderful surprise. I never imagined my retirement would look like this. Being recognized by people feels so heartwarming. Its like were all family, she says.

Costello attributes her vitality to her family. I got my energy from my mother, who was a hairdresser. Even when she had dementia, she kept going. Ive always been full of energy, she reflects.

She believes self-care is key to staying active. Neglecting your health in your 20s can catch up with you later. Protect your bodyits a precious gift, she advises. Regular checkups, including eye exams, are part of her routine. With four children and nine grandchildren, she wants to remain present in their lives.

Her partnership with Astellas focuses on raising awareness about geographic atrophy, a severe form of age-related macular degeneration that can lead to vision loss. Costellos mother instilled in her the belief that health is everything.

At home, she enjoys life with her husband of 56 years, Bill, affectionately known on TikTok as Mr. Babs. We finish each others sentences and share endless inside jokes, she says, highlighting the joy they bring to each other.

For Costello, staying youthful is as much about mindset as it is about age. Age is just a number. Maintaining a lively attitude is what keeps you young, she notes.

Despite her online fame, she treasures offline family time. We make it a point to enjoy technology-free meals together. Matching pajamas and hot chocolate are our holiday traditions. Its about returning to the simple joys, and Im so grateful for that, she adds.

Author: Olivia Parker