Learn how to feel Forever Young at local retreat

According to the US Census Bureau by 2056, the population 65 years and over is expected to outgrow the 18 and under crowd. In a country where the freshness and beauty of youth is idolized, but the largest part of our population, the Baby Boomers, is getting greyer by the day, it is no wonder that we are obsessed with looking and feeling like we are still 22-ish.

While there still is no magical fountain of youth, health and fitness experts have found tried and true methods of exercise, healthy eating and positive mindset to help adults lead healthier and happier lives. Some of these experts are coming together for a one day retreat, Forever Young 2014: Bringing Happiness to Life Event, at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown in Center City on Sunday, November 9 to inspire, empower and educate.

This day long retreat will be filled with lectures, fitness classes, healthy cooking demonstrations focusing on the four pillars of health: physical, spiritual, intellectual and emotional. The featured speaker will be Tal Ben-Shahar, Ph.D., author and former Harvard professor who writes and speaks about positive psychology. He will be joined by more than 30 other health and wellness experts.

Men and women of all ages will enjoy the jam-packed program that will include expert speakers, interactive demonstrations and classes in yoga, qigong, mindfulness, journaling, sex and relationships and more. For a full list of classes and speaker biographies, visit www.foreveryounghealth.org.

Founder and CEO of Forever Young, Toby Strogatz was inspired to create this event after teaching therapeutic yoga techniques to senior adults at Klein JCC. Strogatz is currently a yoga therapist and is studying positive psychology with Dr. Ben-Shahar.

"Forever Young is a day that can truly change people's lives," said Strogatz. "We've created a program for adults of all ages, where men and women from 25 to 95 will find valuable information that they can immediately start using to enhance their physical, mental, and spiritual well being."

Ben-Shahar will present Positive Psychology: The Science of Happiness at 3:15 p.m. for General Admission ticketholders. During a separate Forever Young Luncheon (cost of $200 which includes a signed book by Ben- Shahar and full general admission event access), he will present Choosing Happiness: How Small Choices Can Make a Big Difference.

Another one of the presenters, Bernadette Giorgi will be teaching "Pilates for Golf and Tennis" and "Get Your Pilates Body." She is very excited about being a part of this retreat. "I think it is a fabulous idea. It is very inspiring to see people from all walks of life come together."

Giorgi's session that focuses on getting a Pilates body is about being kind to your body. "Pilates is rigourous, but it is more about the mindset then the physical exercise," she said.

She also believes that eating well and being happy all comes down to making the conscious decision to do so "You need to decide to have a good day. Like right now I am in my car and it is raining, but whether I let it bring down my mood or not is up to me," she explained.

Also scheduled to be at the retreat is Petra Kolber, founder and CEO of Moving to Happiness. She will be presenting "The WHY Behind Your Workout." Her focus is to help people flip sickness on its head.

"When we think of exercise, we think about losing weight and looking young, but age and weight are all just numbers. When exercise becomes a punishment it loses its benefits. You should do it because you love your body, not so that you can love your body," she said.

"Movement is a gateway to power. When we change why we move, we will get more inspiration and enjoyment out it," she added.

Other speakers and instructors include:

Tickets are $24. Proceeds will benefit Klein JCC who provides social services to more than 35,000 regional families. Buy tickets online and learn more at www.foreveryounghealth.org. For additional information call 215-698-7300 ext. 101 or email info@foreveryounghealth.org.