At 77, Babs Costello, the ‘TikTok Grandma,’ Returns to Work as an Influencer and Finds New Joy in Her Busy Life

Babs Costello.
Credit:

Astellas

NEED TO KNOW

• Barbara “Babs” Costello became TikTok’s most beloved grandma at the age of 72, more than a decade into her retirement.
• At 77 years old, she is collaborating with pharmaceutical company Astellas, emphasizing that “if you have your health, you have everything.”
• “You’ve been given this great gift of your body. Take the best care of it you can,” she tells PEOPLE.

After over ten years in retirement, Barbara “Babs” Costello found herself in an unexpected second act.

“I wasn’t on social media until the age of 72, and now I’m busier than ever,” Costello, now 77, shared with People in its latest issue. Known as TikTok’s favorite grandma, she imparts practical wisdom on topics ranging from pumpkin carving to natural pest control—her secret ingredient being cinnamon. “People think, ‘I’m 40, I’m over the hill.’ That’s just a joke.”

A former preschool director, Costello operates the “Brunch with Babs” accounts, which collectively boast over 8 million followers. She describes her newfound fame as an “unexpected gift,” saying, “I never thought I would spend my retirement like this. When people recognize me — it’s so sweet. I feel like we’re all a family, aren’t we?”

Babs Costello TikTok.

Babs Costello/TikTok

Costello attributes her youthful energy to her family. “I got my energy from my mother,” she reflects. “She was a hairdresser, and even when she developed dementia, she kept working. She never slowed down. I’ve always been a high-energy person.”

For her, maintaining energy hinges on self-care. “If you’re not caring for yourself in your 20s, it could catch up with you later,” she warns. “You’ve been given this great gift of your body. Take the best care of it you can.”

Regular checkups, including eye examinations, are central to her health routine. “I have four beautiful children and nine grandchildren, and I want to continue to see them,” Costello states, noting that her sister suffers from age-related macular degeneration. As part of her commitment to health awareness, Costello is partnering with Izervay, a treatment for geographic atrophy, to raise awareness about this serious condition. Echoing her mother’s wisdom, she stresses, “If you have your health, you have everything.”

Babs Costello family photo taken in 2024 with her husband and grandchildren.

Victoria Gloria

This philosophy of health and vitality extends to her home life with her husband of 56 years, Bill, affectionately dubbed Mr. Babs on TikTok. “I finish his sentences. He finishes mine. We have all the inside jokes,” she says with a smile.

As she continues to grow her online presence, Costello emphasizes that youthfulness is largely about outlook. “Age is a number,” she remarks. “You need an attitude that keeps you young.”

Despite her success online, Costello looks forward to the holiday season, eager to disconnect from technology. “It’s crucial to sit down, technology-free, as a family and share a meal,” she advises. “We do matching pajamas and hot chocolate parties as a family. I’m filled with gratitude.”