Optimal Aging

Reconnecting with old college friends after 40 years might sound nostalgic, but in this solo episode of The Optimal Aging Podcast, host Jay Croft uncovers deeper insights about aging well — insights that can reshape how you approach your business and connect with clients over 50.

Jay reflects on a recent reunion at Colorado State University and the three big takeaways that emerged: the power of lifelong friendships, the need for reinvention after disruption, and facing mortality with joy and purpose.

This is a heartfelt, thoughtful episode full of lessons on how connection, resilience, and perspective can enrich th...

In this episode of the Optimal Aging Podcast, Jay Croft speaks with Dr. Jonathan Graff-Radford, a Mayo Clinic neurologist and co-author of the new edition of the Mayo Clinic Guide to Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias. They discuss how Alzheimer’s disease begins 20 years before symptoms appear, what can be done to prevent or delay it, and what health and fitness professionals working with people over 50 need to know now.

Dr. Radford shares powerful new insights on early detection tools, lifestyle factors like exercise and hearing loss, and how fitness protocols can...

In this episode of the Optimal Aging Podcast, Jay Croft talks with Dr. Alan Rozanski, a New York City cardiologist with five decades of experience in cardiac rehab and prevention. Dr. Rozanski introduces the concept of "resistance snacks"—short, simple bursts of resistance training that anyone can incorporate into their day.

Whether you're a fitness professional or a healthcare provider, this conversation breaks down how micro-movements can build strength, prevent decline, and serve as an accessible gateway for deconditioned adults over 50.

Dr. Rozanski explains why resistance training is often overlooked in traditional medical advice—and what...

Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias now affect more than 55 million people worldwide — and that number is growing fast. But is cognitive decline inevitable? Not anymore.

In this episode, Jay Croft speaks with Angela Lunde, a 24-year Mayo Clinic veteran and co-author of the newly revised Mayo Clinic on Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias. Angela shares powerful insights on how lifestyle choices, early detection, and caregiver support are reshaping the landscape of brain health.

You’ll learn:

In this compelling follow-up to last week's conversation, Jay Croft is joined by Dan Ritchie, co-founder of the Functional Aging Institute, to explore the diversity within the over-50 fitness market. While most gyms target deconditioned older adults, Dan and Jay discuss the often-overlooked segment of active, high-performing individuals in this age group who still seek challenge, adventure, and high-level coaching.

They share practical strategies for fitness professionals to market to all older adults by showcasing a variety of real client stories — from someone wanting to hike glaciers in Patagonia, to another preparing to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. If yo...

Jay Croft speaks with Andrew, a retired tech and travel executive and long-time gym-goer, who poses a provocative question: How can gyms stay relevant for older adults who are already fit? This episode dives into how fitness professionals can better serve this overlooked but important segment of the over-50 population. 

If you're a gym owner, trainer, or wellness pro working with older adults, this episode is a must-listen for understanding how to engage those who are fit and want to stay that way — with empathy, programs, and smart marketing.

🧑‍💼 Guest: Andrew

Bio:...

AI is everywhere—but it can’t replace human connection. In this solo episode, Jay Croft shares how fitness professionals can thrive by building trust through authentic communication and evergreen content marketing.

Jay walks through his own conversation-based ecosystem—how podcasting, speaking, writing, and Prime Fit Content all work together to generate trust, visibility, and revenue without paid ads. If you're working with clients over 50, this episode gives you a powerful framework to connect and grow.

🧠 What You'll Learn:

💬 Why Conversations Beat AI Every Time

In this solo episode of The Optimal Aging Podcast, host Jay Croft shares five key lessons he’s learned from promoting his new book, Selling Longevity, and appearing on multiple podcasts. These takeaways will help fitness, health, and wellbeing professionals better connect with the over-50 market — a powerful audience with time, resources, and motivation to invest in their health.

You’ll hear why telling stories beats quoting statistics, how to build trust with quick wins, and why aligning every aspect of your business matters. Jay also offers actionable steps you can start implementing today to refine...

In this episode of the Optimal Aging Podcast, Jay Croft sits down with Rick Mayo, founder and CEO of Alloy Personal Training, for an insightful deep dive into franchising, fitness, and the over-50 market. Jay and Rick explore entrepreneurship, messaging, and personal growth—including a fascinating discussion about the book "The Gap and the Gain."

Rick shares how he built Alloy into a franchise with over 300 awarded licenses and more than 100 locations open, all while staying mission-driven and sharply focused. This episode is packed with takeaways for gym owners, personal trainers, and wellness professionals who serve clients in...

In this solo episode of the Optimal Aging Podcast, host Jay Croft shares a powerful chapter from his new book Selling Longevity: How Over-50 Fitness Can Transform Lives and Your Business. If you’re a fitness professional wondering how to better serve and attract people over 50—this is your playbook.

You'll learn:

Jay also reads “Designing...

In this episode of The Optimal Aging Podcast, Jay Croft speaks with Dr. Cindy Dallow—a registered dietitian, endurance athlete, and now certified personal trainer—about her unexpected journey into strength training in her 60s. Despite her impressive background in nutrition and Ironman triathlons, Cindy had never lifted weights… until she realized she couldn’t put her suitcase in the overhead bin or do a single push-up.

Cindy shares how strength training changed her perspective—and her practice. She now coaches other women through menopause with a focus on building strength to prevent osteoporosis, manage menopause symptoms, and mainta...

In this episode of the Optimal Aging Podcast, host Jay Croft sits down with online coaching expert Chris Liddle to explore how fitness professionals can launch and grow an online business, particularly focused on serving adults over 50. Chris offers practical advice on getting started, choosing the right tools, and creating meaningful client relationships in a virtual environment.

Chris shares how he transitioned from in-person training to a thriving online coaching model, including how his own parents in their 70s inspired him to refine his tech onboarding and communication style. The conversation covers why the older...

In this uplifting episode of The Optimal Aging Podcast, host Jay Croft reconnects with longtime friend and positivity expert Jay Clark, principal of JC Charity Services and a John Gordon-certified trainer. Jay shares how a positive mindset is not just feel-good fluff — it’s a practical, powerful tool for overcoming adversity, improving your health, and growing your business.

You’ll hear:

Feeling overwhelmed by supplement choices after 50? You're not alone. On today's episode, Nikki Raymond, holistic nutritionist and IFBB Pro Bodybuilder, joins Jay Croft to cut through the noise. Nikki shares her journey from personal trainer to functional nutrition expert, emphasizing the critical role personalized bloodwork and supplements play in healthy aging.

In this empowering conversation, you'll learn:

Whether you're optimizing your fitness or helping clients thrive...

In this powerful episode from the Functional Aging Summit, Jay Croft—founder of Prime Fit Content—reveals how fitness professionals can use client storytelling to attract, engage, and retain more clients over 50.

You’ll learn how to frame your clients as the heroes of their own fitness journeys (not you), why that subtle shift builds trust and credibility, and how to avoid the most common marketing mistakes that push people away.

Whether you’re a gym owner, studio operator, or coach working with midlife and older adults, this episode is packed with actionable advice on messagin...

In this episode of The Optimal Aging Podcast, Jay Croft sits down with Alex McBrairty, a fitness coach whose personal transformation—losing nearly 100 pounds as a teen—launched a lifelong journey into behavior change, motivation, and the psychology of fitness.

Alex shares how his struggle with self-esteem and identity led him to pursue a degree in psychology, which now underpins his coaching philosophy. You'll learn how he uses personality testing to meet clients where they are, especially those over 50 who may feel intimidated by change or doubt their ability to improve.

Whether you're a fi...

The Functional Aging Summit, held online June 13–14, is an incredible opportunity to learn from industry leaders about how to train people over 50 and grow your business with this large, lucrative, and underserved population. Go here to learn more: https://functionalagingsummit.com

In this episode of the Optimal Aging Podcast, host Jay Croft talks with Dr. Dan Ritchie, co-founder of the Functional Aging Institute, who previews the upcoming event and shares compelling reasons why fitness professionals should be targeting the active aging market.

Dan and Jay explore how this growing demographic presents not just a meaningful mis...

In this episode of the Optimal Aging Podcast, host Jay Croft reconnects with Dr. Dan Ritchie, co-founder of the Functional Aging Institute, to preview this year’s Functional Aging Summit and explore the booming business opportunity of serving clients over 50.

Jay and Dan discuss why the mainstream fitness industry still overlooks this demographic—and why that’s a massive mistake. You’ll learn how training older adults isn’t just rewarding, it’s smart business: longer client retention, deeper impact, and a growing market driven by global aging trends.

Dan also shares details about the upcoming vir...

In this episode of The Optimal Aging Podcast, host Jay Croft sits down with Rick Streb—fitness industry veteran, marketing strategist, and bestselling author—to explore how publishing a book can supercharge your fitness business. Whether you're a gym owner, trainer, or health coach, Rick explains why having your own book is more than just a vanity project—it’s a strategic marketing asset.

You’ll learn how Rick helps fitness pros turn their everyday knowledge and client stories into published books that build authority, attract ideal clients, and fuel long-term growth. From using AI tools like ChatGPT to...

Can walking your neighborhood really help grow your fitness or physical therapy business? For Shayna Gross, the answer is a resounding yes.

In this episode of the Optimal Aging Podcast, Jay Croft of Prime Fit Content talks with Shayna, a veteran physical therapist and the owner of Physiovation in Atlanta. After moving to a larger location in the eclectic Little Five Points neighborhood, Shayna expanded her offerings to include small group personal training — and got to work building real relationships.

You’ll hear how she:

Is Alzheimer’s disease just something we have to wait and worry about as we age? Amy Lang doesn’t think so.

In this episode of The Optimal Aging Podcast, Jay Croft talks with Amy Lang, a brain health coach and former gym owner whose personal experience with Alzheimer’s — both her mother and grandmother were diagnosed — set her on a mission to educate others.

Amy shares how lifestyle factors like exercise, nutrition, stress, sleep, and social connection can dramatically reduce the risk of cognitive decline. If you're a fitness or wellness professional serving cl...

Want to inspire your 50+ clients to stay active, connected, and confident? In this episode, I talk with Road Scholar’s PR Director, Kelsey Knoedler Perri, about how fitness and travel work hand-in-hand to promote healthy aging.
We explore survey data from Road Scholar’s “Age Adventurously” campaign and how fitness pros can use these insights to motivate clients, boost retention, and create content that resonates.

🎯 Great for: gym owners, trainers, wellness professionals

Topics include:

Let’s bust some outdated assumptions. In this solo episode, I share exactly how to market your gym or studio to today’s 50+ clients — who are active, discerning, and ready to invest in their health.

You’ll learn communication strategies that build trust and help your content actually land with this high-value audience.

📌 Actionable for: gym owners, studio managers, and fitpros over 40

What you’ll learn:

Meet three gym owners who are thriving by combining smart content with meaningful connection. In this episode, I talk with Micah Morgan, Jake Trione, and Lisa Grace Wright — all of whom have built powerful brands and loyal communities by speaking directly to the needs of active agers.

📣 Designed for fitness business owners and marketers

Takeaways:

🎤 About the Guests:
• Mi...

Want to market your fitness business to the 50+ demographic more effectively? In this special episode of the Optimal Aging Podcast I share my top 7 content marketing do’s and don’ts for connecting with people over 50.

💬 Discover why storytelling, email marketing, and consistent messaging are key to attracting and retaining clients over 50. Learn what mistakes to avoid and how to build real engagement without being pushy or spammy.

I also discuss hot trends like brain health, hybrid training, and AI in fitness content creation. If you're a fitness pro or gym owner targeting the older adult c...

How do your clients and prospects want to receive communications from you? Do you know? And are you meeting them where they are -- or expecting them to come to you?

On this week's Optimal Aging, I'm sharing a lesson I've learned about my business, and how I communicate with people I want to be in my audience. 

I started recording my podcast on video and posting the episodes on YouTube, after avoiding it for years. It's expanding my audience and helping me reach new people, including prospective customers.

See, I just didn't w...

What do you do after founding a global fitness brand like Club Pilates? For Allison Beardsley, the next move is all about longevity, wellness, and the booming demand from adults over 50.

In this episode of The Optimal Aging Podcast, Allison joins Jay Croft to talk about her new venture — The Red Light Method — a boutique red light therapy franchise focused on healthy aging and recovery. She shares why this technology matters, what gym owners should know about it, and how red light therapy could be the next big thing in wellness services for older clients.

Whet...

Still on the fence about sending regular emails? In this conversation with Lara Gallert from Alloy Personal Training, we dig into how simple email newsletters drive engagement, boost retention, and make your fitness brand stand out with older adults.

Plus, Lara shares her own studio’s wins and how we turned one email into serious ROI.

🧠 Best for: gym owners, franchisees, and coaches building community

You’ll learn:

Enjoy Lar...

How do you market your gym and services to a specific audience? How do you get prospects into the gym for a sales talks – and then how do you turn them into members?

Well, Sherman Merricks and I get into it on this episode – who do you want, how do you talk to them, and why you need to sometimes stop talking and get comfortable with pauses in a conversation!

Sherman’s the co-founder of Lasso Framework, a marketing and consulting firm for gyms that he started after running his own gym for 13 years in Florid...

Trainers often ask me for advice about taking their businesses mobile, how they can bring their fitness equipment and coaching to clients over 50 in the clients’ homes. Well, on this episode, I’m talking to a trainer who has figured it out and sharing all his tips.

Benjamin Villalon has been training people at home for a while with Benefitnessnow in Houston.And just last year, he and his wife, Claudia, and their team of trainers began developing Agestrong Fitness for the over-50 market.  

Benji reports things are going great, and I couldn’t be happier...

In this week's episode of the Optimal Aging Podcast, I’m joined by veteran fitness trainers Shebah Carfagna and Nate Wilkins, who are finding new ways to help more people live fit, healthy lives. 

Shebah, 67, and Nate, 71, share their fitness journeys, personal health challenges, and news about a couple of new partnerships, including their selection as two of five sponsored AARP athletes nationwide. 

They’ve been in the game a long time and created the Ageless Workout Method to help improve longevity, health span and overall wellbeing. And I love a distinction they make between using...

About a year ago, I had Nick Garrity on the podcast for the first time. Back then, I had just started helping him with his newsletters and other content marketing, and he had 2 Alloy studios up and running here in Atlanta, with a third on the way.

Now, a year later, all three of Nick’s studios are doing great. In fact, on the day we did this second interview you’re about to hear, Nick and his team were celebrating a big milestone: They had reached their membership goal for one of those studios, after a stea...

The biggest social media channels in the world have been in the news a lot lately. And it has renewed my belief in the power of email for marketing your small business and exercising the greatest control over your communications.

Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t use Facebook or any of the others — they’re still powerful tools, of course. And I’m not getting into the controversies around any of it.

But I want to refocus your attention on email newsletters to grow your business. I’ll create a new episode about it shortly...

Why is there still a stigma around Botox and other simple cosmetic procedures? And what role does skin health play in healthy aging?

These are topics I discuss on this episode with Atlanta dermatologist Dr. Mary Alice Mina. You know, it’s funny. We don’t think anything about working out and looking better… but we raise a skeptical glance at the possibility of Botox, fillers, or peels. What’s the difference between them and, say, dying your hair?

I find Botox to be an entry topic for the more relevant subject of skin health, cancer s...

It’s an exciting time for the fitness industry, with broad trends coalescing around topics like longevity, wellness, preventive care and others that are particularly resonant for fitness over 50.

So what does the new year hold for all of this?

Well, I’m lucky today to share a conversation about all of this with one of the people behind the Connected Health & Fitness Summit, which is planned for February in Los Angeles.

The event’s website says its mission is to “redefine healthcare by placing fitness, wellness, and technology at its core. We’re driving...