In this inspiring episode, Jay Croft talks with Diane Firmani — a 71-year-old triathlete, women’s hockey player, and standout on the latest season of The Golden Bachelor. Diane shares what led her from snowy Wasilla, Alaska, to a national TV spotlight, and how she uses fitness, community, and a bold spirit to redefine aging. You’ll learn why movement matters, how friendships support longevity, and what The Golden Bachelor gets right about older adults. Diane also opens up about her training r...
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In this inspiring episode, Jay Croft talks with Diane Firmani — a 71-year-old triathlete, women’s hockey player, and standout on the latest season of The Golden Bachelor. Diane shares what led her from snowy Wasilla, Alaska, to a national TV spotlight, and how she uses fitness, community, and a bold spirit to redefine aging. You’ll learn why movement matters, how friendships support longevity, and what The Golden Bachelor gets right about older adults. Diane also opens up about her training r...
In this inspiring episode, Jay Croft talks with Diane Firmani — a 71-year-old triathlete, women’s hockey player, and standout on the latest season of The Golden Bachelor. Diane shares what led her from snowy Wasilla, Alaska, to a national TV spotlight, and how she uses fitness, community, and a bold spirit to redefine aging. You’ll learn why movement matters, how friendships support longevity, and what The Golden Bachelor gets right about older adults. Diane also opens up about her training r...
Hosting a simple, purposeful event before the end of the year could be the key to attracting your next five best clients over 50. In this solo episode, Jay Croft shares a step-by-step strategy that any gym owner or fitness professional can implement—even during the busy holiday season. You’ll learn: Why older prospects prefer low-pressure, educational events over discounts or sales pitchesHow to plan, promote, and host a small but mighty eventThe best way to convert attendees into paying clie...
In this episode of The Optimal Aging Podcast, host Jay Croft sits down with Seth Scrimo, a former Marine and now a thriving fitness business owner in Wooster, Ohio. Just a few years ago, Seth was barely scraping by—earning around $4,000/month. Today, he regularly brings in up to $30,000 per month. How did he do it? By writing books that build trust and launching a local podcast that spotlights other business owners in his small town. It’s a grassroots, connection-driven approach that proves o...
What happens when a national fitness brand realizes its best members are over 40? For Row House, it sparked a powerful new direction—and a brand refresh rooted in vitality, community, and smart training. In this episode of the Optimal Aging Podcast, Jay Croft chats with Noel Miller, Row House's Manager of Training and a 30-year fitness pro. Noel shares how the indoor rowing franchise took a close look at its data, saw who was showing up, and leaned all the way into a smart, low-impact, high-i...
In this solo episode of The Optimal Aging Podcast, host Jay Croft opens up about the powerful, often misunderstood topic of consistency—and why it matters more than intensity in fitness, business, and life. Jay shares how showing up steadily over time—through writing, podcasting, and growing his business—has led to meaningful progress. But he also gets candid about where he’s falling short, particularly in emailing his prospects. If you're a gym owner or coach feeling stuck or impatient, this...
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 ...
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, lifestyl...
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 acc...
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’l...
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 old...
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 sta...
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 conn...
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 eve...
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 an...
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: Why the over-50 market is your biggest growth opportunityWhat older clients actually want in a gym experienceHow to design programs, space, and language to connect with this demograp...
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 practic...
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 o...
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: How positivity fuels resilience and deeper client connectionsThe difference between “kumbaya” optimism and...
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: Why supplements are essential (and how to pick the right ones)How understanding your...
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 w...
In this inspiring episode, Jay Croft talks with Diane Firmani — a 71-year-old triathlete, women’s hockey player, and standout on the latest season of The Golden Bachelor. Diane shares what led her from snowy Wasilla, Alaska, to a national TV spotlight, and how she uses fitness, community, and a bold spirit to redefine aging. You’ll learn why movement matters, how friendships support longevity, and what The Golden Bachelor gets right about older adults. Diane also opens up about her training r...