Hi,
today I had a conversation with a russian guy that told me that, in Russia, they usually call old people (I mean, even people that they do not now in person) as "granfather". And he also adds that it is not offensive at all.
I have some doubt about this info, and I would like to have a confirmation from you, if it is possible, about it.
Because It sounds to me very strange.
In fact, in many languages, refer to a senior, that you never met before, as "granfather" can be very offensive.

Thanks for the clarification...

Henry