Granny Guns Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 15, 2025
With 2.1 million followers on TikTok (@65_strong ) and 2.1 million on Instagram (@granny__guns ), Granny Guns—real name Joy L. Fitzsimmons—has become a viral sensation, fitness icon, and powerful symbol of ageless strength.
Defying stereotypes, shattering expectations, and redefining what it means to age with power, Joy has transformed from a retired schoolteacher into one of the most beloved and influential fitness personalities on social media.
Then: The Quiet Life Before the Spotlight (Pre-2020)
Born in 1958, Joy Fitzsimmons lived a full, grounded life long before she became a social media star. A dedicated elementary school teacher in California, she spent decades nurturing young minds, instilling discipline, and leading by example.
After retiring in her early 60s, she could have settled into a life of relaxation—traveling, gardening, or enjoying time with family.
But Joy had other plans.
Always active and health-conscious, she had dabbled in fitness throughout her life. However, it wasn’t until her mid-60s that she made a bold decision: she would commit to strength training and transform her body—not to look younger, but to feel stronger, healthier, and more empowered.
She began working out consistently at her local gym, focusing on weightlifting, functional training, and nutrition.
What started as a personal goal soon turned into a powerful transformation—both physically and mentally.
Related: Ashton Hall Then and Now
The Rise: Becoming “Granny Guns” (2020–2022)
1. A Viral Identity is Born
In 2020, during the global pandemic, Joy’s daughter encouraged her to start sharing her fitness journey online.
At first hesitant—“I’m just a grandma!”—Joy eventually agreed. She created an Instagram account under the name @granny__guns, a playful nod to her growing biceps and unapologetic strength.
Her content was simple but revolutionary:
- Videos of her lifting weights
- Progress photos in athletic wear
- Tips on nutrition and consistency
- Humorous captions like “I may be 65, but my arms aren’t!”
Her authenticity, silver curls, radiant smile, and visible muscle tone captivated audiences.
Unlike most fitness influencers in their 20s and 30s, Joy represented strength at an age when society often tells women to fade into the background.
2. The “65 Strong” Movement
Joy embraced her age proudly, branding herself as “65 Strong”—a motto that became the name of her TikTok handle (@65_strong ). Her message was clear:
“It’s never too late to get strong. Age is not a barrier—it’s a badge of honor.”
Her videos showcased:
- Deadlifts, squats, and bench presses
- Arm workouts with dumbbells
- Flexing her biceps with a cheeky grin
- Morning routines and healthy meal prep
She didn’t use filters or edits—just real, raw effort. And her fans loved her for it.
3. Going Viral and Breaking Stereotypes
One video—of Joy curling 20-pound dumbbells while saying, “People think grandmas are supposed to be soft. I say, be strong instead”—went massively viral, amassing millions of views.
Media outlets like Good Morning America, People Magazine, Today, and BBC picked up her story, hailing her as a trailblazer for senior fitness and women’s empowerment.
She became a symbol of active aging, challenging the myth that strength and vitality belong only to the young.
Related: Caleb Marshall Then and Now
Now: A Global Icon of Strength and Self-Love (2023–2025)
1. Fitness Role Model for All Ages
Today, Granny Guns is much more than a viral nickname—she’s a certified fitness inspiration.
Her content continues to grow, with fans ranging from teenagers to fellow seniors. She receives daily messages from people saying:
- “You inspired me to start lifting at 70.”
- “I stopped hiding my arms because of you.”
- “You made me proud of my age.”
She especially empowers older women, who’ve long been underrepresented in fitness media. Joy proves that muscle, energy, and confidence don’t expire at 60.
2. Advocacy for Senior Health and Mental Wellness
Beyond physical fitness, Joy speaks openly about:
- Mental health in aging – combating loneliness and depression
- Bone density and joint health – the importance of resistance training for seniors
- Nutrition after 60 – protein intake, hydration, and balanced eating
- Hormonal changes and menopause recovery
She partners with health professionals to share science-backed advice, emphasizing that strength training is essential for longevity, mobility, and independence.
3. Brand Collaborations and Community Building
Granny Guns has collaborated with:
- Activewear brands designing inclusive, stylish clothing for older women
- Fitness equipment companies promoting safe, effective tools for seniors
- Wellness platforms advocating for active aging
She’s also launched a digital community where fans share their own fitness journeys, call themselves “Little Guns,” and support one another.
4. A Message of Joy and Defiance
Joy’s tone is always positive, but never naive. She acknowledges the challenges of aging—aches, societal invisibility, loss—but chooses to respond with strength, humor, and defiance.
Her signature moves—flexing in a tank top, winking at the camera, or saying “I’m not old. I’m vintage.”—have become cultural moments, celebrated in memes, fan art, and even drag performances.
Related: Jen Selter Then and Now
Personal Life and Philosophy
Joy lives in California and remains close to her family, including grandchildren who affectionately call her “Granny Guns.” She often features them in lighthearted videos, showing that strength and love go hand in hand.
She credits her success to:
- Consistency over intensity
- Self-respect over vanity
- Purpose over perfection
She doesn’t train to look like a bodybuilder—she trains to feel capable, confident, and free.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Granny Guns is part of a growing movement of “silver influencers”—older adults reclaiming visibility in digital culture. She stands alongside figures like:
- Iris Apfel (fashion)
- Virna Dias (modeling)
- Jim Fixx (running)
But Joy’s impact is uniquely powerful because she challenges deep-seated biases about age, gender, and ability.
She’s proven that:
- You can build muscle at any age
- Grandmas can be sexy, strong, and cool
- Fitness is not about youth—it’s about life force
Her rise also reflects a shift in social media: audiences are craving authenticity, resilience, and intergenerational inspiration—and Joy delivers all three.
Related: Senada Greca Then and Now
Conclusion: Granny Guns – Then and Now
- Then: A retired teacher in her 60s, quietly lifting weights at her local gym, transforming her body one rep at a time.
- Now: A global icon with 2.1 million followers on both TikTok and Instagram, celebrated as a pioneer of senior fitness and female empowerment.
Granny Guns isn’t just breaking records—she’s breaking stereotypes. She’s not defying age; she’s redefining it.
Her message is simple, powerful, and universal:
“You are never too old to become stronger. Never too late to shine.”
And as long as she’s lifting, laughing, and inspiring millions around the world, one thing is certain:
Granny Guns isn’t slowing down.
She’s just getting started.
💪✨ “Strong is the new sexy. And I’m loving my golden years—pumped, proud, and powerful.” – Granny Guns
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