Vietnamese seniors bring sources of affection as they step into social media spotlight

In one widely loved series, Nguyen Hong Thuy, 27, captures everyday conversations with his 85-year-old grandmother, Nguyen Thi Tam, who has lived with dementia for years.

Her spontaneous remarks, sometimes humorous, sometimes unexpectedly profound, have touched viewers and sparked waves of online attention.

The clips show simple daily life moments between the grandson and the grandmother, yet resonate deeply with audiences.

A similar wave of affection emerged when images of Grandma Chiem, a woman in her late 80s, confidently modeling newly sewn homewear sets went viral.

Her grandson, Nguyen Hoang Quan, had asked her to pose to help promote his family’s struggling tailoring business.

Rather than humorous content, viewers saw her natural charm and genuine warmth, prompting a surge of online orders and giving the small business new life.

For Grandma Chiem, participating became a joyful activity, turning what seemed unlikely in the digital age into a treasured experience.

In the southernmost province of Ca Mau, young content creator Ta Cong Bang found unexpected attention after posting ordinary daily moments with his grandmother.

Bang used the momentum to launch a small business selling local shrimp crackers, creating jobs in his neighborhood and giving his grandmother a new source of pride and connection.

Though different in circumstances, these stories highlight how senior citizens are increasingly present online in positive ways.

They embody family memory, act as a bridge connecting traditions with modernity, and offer gentle, uplifting energy to younger generations.

In a busy urban world where social media is often blamed for widening generational gaps, such videos are becoming bridges instead.

Many netizens wrote in the comment section that after watching these inspiring videos, they immediately called their grandparents, planned family visits or simply paused to appreciate home.

Still, careful boundaries are crucial.

Older adults must participate willingly, be fully informed and protected from harmful or exploitative content.

Family members, often behind the camera, bear responsibility for ensuring dignity and emotional safety.

A casual remark that is harmless within the family can easily become insensitive when shared publicly if taken out of context.

Social media platforms, content creators, and families alike should prioritize respect-driven storytelling that preserves traditional values, celebrates intergenerational bonds, and resists sensationalism.

At the end of each video, the gentle smile of a grandmother or the steady nod of a grandfather often stands out as a reminder of enduring warmth.

Ultimately, the question is not how to make elders go viral, but what kind of story one chooses to tell about them.

When shared with love, every photo or video can become a meaningful gift or a reminder that beyond the view counts and trending topics, what people continue to seek online is the comfort of family, connection, and timeless affection.