Optimal Aging

How to Help Prevent Alzheimer’s: Mayo Clinic’s Latest Research with Dr. Jonathan Graff-Radford

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 support cognitive health. You'll also hear how dual-tasking workouts, VO2 max, and neuroplasticity play a role in long-term brain health.If you serve older adults in health, fitness, or wellness, this is a must-listen.👤 Guest: Dr. Jonathan Graff-RadfordBio: Dr. Jonathan Graff-Radford is a neurologist at the Mayo Clinic and co-author of Mayo Clinic on Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias. His research focuses on early detection, prevention, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.Resources & Links:Mayo Clinic Guide to Alzheimer’s: https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/product/mayo-clinic-on-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/Mayo Clinic Brain Health Tips: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/brain-health-tips/art-20555198Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Resources: https://www.mayo.edu/research/centers-programs/alzheimers-disease-research-center/research-activities/mayo-clinic-study-aging/patients-families/resources🧠 Topics CoveredWhat Is Alzheimer’s Really?Difference between Alzheimer’s and general dementiaAmyloid and tau proteins in the brainWhy Prevention Starts NowAlzheimer’s can start 20 years before symptoms40–45% of dementia may be preventableLifestyle Factors That MatterExercise, diet, sleep, stress, and social connectionHearing loss as a major (and treatable) risk factorHow Exercise Affects the BrainGrowing the hippocampus with aerobic exerciseVO2 max and brain resilience studiesThe Role of NeuroplasticityHow the brain adapts and rewires itselfDual-tasking in fitness for cognitive engagementNew Tools and TreatmentsBlood tests with 90% accuracyTwo new FDA-approved drugs slow progressionEarly detection through the Ahead & Trailblazer studies📱 Follow Jay Croft Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primefitcontent LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/croftjay 🌐 Website: https://primefitcontent.com 📬 Contact: jay@primefitcontent.com👍 Like this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

Resistance Snacks with Dr. Alan Rozanski: The Cardiologist’s Secret to Aging Well

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 needs to change. He also shares how even soup cans and wall pushups can be powerful tools for building resilience later in life.🧑‍⚕️ Guest: Dr. Alan RozanskiBio: Dr. Alan Rozanski is a renowned cardiologist based in New York City, with over 50 years in preventive cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation. He is a national leader in lifestyle medicine and passionate advocate for incorporating strength training into everyday health routines for older adults.Links:Website: https://alanrozanski.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-rozanski-md 📌 Episode HighlightsThe Resistance Snack RevolutionWhat resistance snacks are and why they matterExamples of snackable exercises anyone can doMuscle Loss, Longevity & PreventionSarcopenia’s silent effect on older adultsHow doctors can better guide patients toward strengthBreaking the “Too Old” MindsetHow to reframe aging and vitalityWhy even minimal movement yields maximum results🎧 Resources & LinksPrime Fit Content: https://primefitcontent.comContact Jay: jay@primefitcontent.com🎤 Host: Jay Croft Jay helps fitness and health professionals reach more people over 50 with better marketing, storytelling, and engagement.🌐 Podcast Website: https://primefitcontent.com👍 Rate us on Apple Podcasts 📱 Follow @primefitcontent on Instagram 📬 Join our email list: https://primefitcontent.com📢 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or tag us using #OptimalAging

Can You Prevent Dementia? Angela Lunde from Mayo Clinic Explains the New Science

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:How lifestyle factors like exercise and social connection impact brain functionThe latest in dementia risk reduction, including the POINTER study’s findingsWhat new treatments are showing promise — and what still isn’t possibleThe emotional reality for caregivers, and how they can build resilienceHow fitness and wellness pros can guide clients over 50 toward better brain healthThis conversation is both deeply informative and inspiring for anyone concerned about aging, dementia, and long-term wellbeing.👤 Guest: Angela Lunde Bio: Angela Lunde is a dementia care expert and advocate at Mayo Clinic’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. She has worked for over two decades to support individuals and families impacted by cognitive decline and is the co-author of Mayo Clinic’s definitive book on the topic. Links: 🔗 Mayo Clinic Book: https://a.co/d/0QBlUNh🧠 Episode Outline:What’s New in Dementia ResearchAngela explains how imaging and biomarkers are reshaping early diagnosisNew anti-amyloid treatments and their potential (and limits)Risk Reduction Through LifestyleReview of the 2024 Lancet Commission findingsPOINTER study confirms that 4 habits — exercise, diet, social connection, and checkups — make a differenceWhat This Means for Wellness ProsJay and Angela explore how health/fitness pros can play a crucial role in prevention and supportThe Caregiver ExperienceWhy caregivers are “invisible second patients”Angela’s 4-part “recipe for resilience” every caregiver should know🎤 Host: Jay Croft Jay is a content marketing strategist helping fitness and wellness professionals engage the over-50 market. 🌐 https://primefitcontent.com📣 CTAs: 📬 Join our email list – https://primefitcontent.com 📱 Follow on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/primefitcontent 📥 Contact – jay@primefitcontent.com

Not All People Over 50 Are Alike – With Dan Ritchie

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 you're in the fitness industry and you want to serve the full spectrum of people over 50, this conversation is a must-listen.Guest: Dan RitchieBio: Dan Ritchie is the President and co-founder of the Functional Aging Institute and a former longtime gym owner. With decades of experience training older adults, Dan specializes in helping fitness professionals serve the unique needs of clients over 50 — from beginners to elite performers.Main Topics Covered:Not a One-Size-Fits-All MarketWhy the over-50 demographic is more diverse than many gym owners realizeHow to avoid alienating active older adults by assuming everyone is a beginnerThe Power of StorytellingHow real-life client stories like summiting Kilimanjaro or traveling Europe inspire belief and actionTips on using storytelling in marketing to connect with a variety of client typesProgram Design for Every Fitness LevelWhy you must scale programs for different abilitiesThe importance of making experienced clients feel seen and appropriately challengedMarketing to the Advanced 50+ ClientWhat gym owners can do to attract fit, motivated clients over 50Balancing welcoming beginner messaging with high-performance program offeringsTimestamps:00:00 – The power of believing what's possible after 70 01:00 – Jay introduces Part 2 with Dan Ritchie 02:00 – Overview of Andrew's fitness question from last episode 04:00 – Stats on low exercise rates over age 65 05:30 – Why we need to speak to all fitness levels 07:00 – Stories that resonate with high-performing older adults 08:30 – Kilimanjaro, Patagonia, and client adventures 10:00 – Fitness goals like golf, tennis, and pickleball 13:00 – Making clients feel seen and supported 16:00 – Jay's story about "Papillon" the grandfather 18:00 – Creating a gym where everyone feels they belong 20:00 – Reversing decline through consistent training 21:00 – Lance's story: feeling better at 75 than at 65🎤 Host: Jay Croft Jay helps fitness professionals grow their businesses by better connecting with people over 50 through content marketing that works.🌐 Podcast Website: https://primefitcontent.com 📬 Contact: jay@primefitcontent.com 📱 Instagram: @primefitcontent 💼 LinkedIn: Jay Croft👍 Rate the show on Apple Podcasts 📥 Contact us – jay@primefitcontent.comLoved this episode? Share it with a friend or tag us on socials using #OptimalAgingPodcast.

How Fit Older Adults Can Stay Engaged in Gyms – Insights from a Fitness Consumer

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: AndrewBio: Andrew is a 69-year-old retired executive who has maintained a lifelong dedication to fitness. As a passionate gym-goer, he offers unique insight into the mindset and needs of fit older adults. Location: Atlanta, GA🕒 Timestamps:[00:00] Andrew’s mindset: Pushing limits while aging[01:00] Jay introduces Andrew and the core question of the episode[02:00] Who gyms typically market to — and who gets overlooked[03:00] The deconditioned vs. the conditioned population[05:00] The question from Andrew that sparked this episode[06:00] Concerns of active aging adults: injury, limitation, mindset[08:00] How gyms can help by adapting and supporting[10:00] Gym marketing misses for the 50+ fit population[12:00] Suggestions for better programming and language[14:00] The mindset shift: aging and adapting with strength[16:00] Prioritizing full-body health — including doctor visits[18:00] Community and mental health in gyms[20:00] What active older adults look for when gym-shopping[22:00] Building community and acknowledgment in fitness spaces🔗 Resources & Mentions:Functional Aging Institute – https://functionalaginginstitute.comPrime Fit Content – https://primefitcontent.com🎤 Host: Jay CroftJay is the founder of Prime Fit Content, helping fitness professionals attract and retain clients over 50 with smart, effective content marketing.🌐 Podcast Website: https://primefitcontent.com 📥 Email: jay@primefitcontent.com 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primefitcontent 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/croftjay👍 Rate the show on Apple Podcasts 📬 Join the email list – https://primefitcontent.com