TikTok may be considered to be a social media platform popular with the younger generations, but new research from Fletchers Solicitors has revealed a trend for ‘GranTokkers’ on TikTok.

For those unfamiliar with the app, TikTok is a social media platform that encourages users to create video content to share with friends and fans. The platform has become increasingly popular for its viral dance video trends, where users create and learn dance moves to new songs and soundtracks to take part in the trend.

Currently, 11% of users on the video-sharing app are aged over 55 (Source) – but numerous British video creators are challenging the TikTok stereotype and are seen regularly busting a move on the app.

Videos tagged with the hashtag #Grandmasoftiktok have been viewed over 436 MILLION times to date, and a number of UK grandparents have gained thousands of followers and millions of video views through dancing on the app.

In light of the findings, serious injury law firm Fletchers Solicitors has ranked the UK’s top four 60+ GranTok influencers, based on follower numbers and video views, in order to raise awareness of dancing on social media and staying active.

The firm hopes to raise awareness of accessible ways for senior citizens to increase mobility, in order to improve joint health and reduce the need for surgical intervention in later life.

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UK’s Top 60+ ‘GranTokkers’

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1. @twojays2

A husband and wife duo who take on TikTok dance challenges.

13.9M likes

600.6k followers

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2. @JRudderz

A devoted granddaughter who films her nan dancing.

1.8M likes

202.2k followers

 

 

 

 

 

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3. @grandaddrkandolivia

A grandad and grandaughter dancing duo.

 474.6k likes

23.4k followers

 

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4. @Grandaddfrankk

A dancing grandad who loves following TikTok trends.

130.5M likes

6.3M followers

 

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The UK’s top ‘GranTok’ TikTok influencers: Joan and Jimmy O’Shaughnessy

Fletchers Solicitors spoke to creators Joan (67) and Jimmy (68) O’Shaughnessy – two passionate dancers and TikTokkers who hail the app for changing their life completely. The dancing duo are based in Southport along with Fletchers Solicitors, and have stacked up over 13 MILLION video likes and 600K followers through sharing fun videos of themselves dancing together.

The couple, who have been married for 48 years, are firm believers that more elderly people should dance on TikTok. “At the start of the first Lockdown in 2020, I saw a friend had posted a TikTok dance on her Facebook page. It was the first I had heard of TikTok. So I looked into it, downloaded the app, and we decided to have a go ourselves, as our weekly dances had stopped. It gave us the chance to carry on dancing. We got an immediate good response, so that spurred us on to do more.” Not only did TikTok give the married couple something to do during lockdown, but it’s also helped form connections and improvements to their health. “We get exercise, but we also have a lot of fun and laughs whilst we are doing the dances.”

“It has actually affected our lives in quite a big way. It’s a new interest for us to do together. We have made friends around the world through the app, and due to the reaction and comments we get, it has encouraged us to carry on.” “We have also had quite a few doors open for us through our account (and the Instagram account) – appearing on ITV News; Have I got News for you; Lingo gameshow; Kelly Clarkson Show in America; BBC Morning Live.

“Our dances have also been recognised by Snoop Dogg, Charlie Wilson & the Chuck Berry account (to name a few).”

“We can honestly say that we are still truly amazed by what has happened, and we never could have imagined the reaction we have got – but we are enjoying every minute, and always look forward to seeing what the next comment, message or email will bring.”

TikTok dancing helps improve joint health, says doctor

Whilst learning new dance moves and participating in viral TikTok dance trends is fun, the social media app also offers health incentives, according to a leading medical professional.

Dr Deborah Lee of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy is an advocate of the benefits of dancing on mental and physical health, following her own passions with dance.

Commenting on TikTok dancing health benefits, she said: “The health benefits of dancing cannot be stressed enough! It is truly a fantastic form of physical exercise. Dancing has both physical and mental health benefits. The dancer is stretching and loading their bones, muscles, joints and ligaments, which results in improved muscle strength, power, balance and function. They are exercising both their cardiovascular system and their mental agility.”

“Being in a dance class is a pleasant social experience, which has positive repercussions for our mental health. Learning and remembering a sequence of dance steps is beneficial for cognition and memory.”

“Dancing can be undertaken by most older people and their carers. Even those with medical conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, dementia, arthritis and heart disease can dance. Disabled people in wheelchairs can dance too.”

Surgery should be a last resort for hip, knee and joint health, says leading serious injury lawyer

When it comes to medical treatment, often prevention is better than the cure. So, maintaining healthy hip and knee joints through regular exercise and mobility, such as through TikTok dances, can be a good way to reduce the risk of surgical intervention in later life.

Whilst hip and knee replacements are routine procedures for an aging population, the surgeries do not come without their risks, and surgical treatment should always be approached with serious consideration.

In recent years, there has been a substantial rise in the number of patients undergoing hip operations. Between 2015 and 2017 alone, over 270,000 hip replacements were performed in the UK. The volume of hip implant choices and treatments available is also climbing. Unfortunately, an increase in hip-based procedures means that there is a greater chance that the surgery can go wrong.

Any orthopaedic surgery is not without its risks and it is known that common complications can include chronic pain, dislocation, nerve injury or early revision. These risks mean that decisions to proceed to surgery must not be taken lightly. They should only be taken with adequate investigation and a thorough discussion of the risks and benefits with the patient beforehand. In some cases, taking no action, may be the best advice of all as chronic pain or a poor surgical outcome can destroy a person’s normal function and significantly damage their quality of life.

We are a leading UK Top 100 law firm and have extensive experience in knee replacement claims and hip replacement surgery claims. If you or someone you love has experienced joint surgery that had avoidable complications, our specialist experts can help.

Speak to our friendly legal team today on 0330 013 0251.