Program Certifies "Financial Gerontologists"

January 23, 2003
Widener University, the American Society on Aging and the American Institute of Financial Gerontology (AIFG) are launching a continuing education and confer the Certified Financial Gerontologist (CFG) designation.

Targeted to financial professionals who advise older adults and their families, the CFG program is designed to provide an education responsive to the "wealthspan" issues facing an aging population. It is estimated that today's Americans are expected to live more than 25 years past the traditional age of retirement, while simultaneously having to care for children and elderly parents.

"The good news is that we are all living longer, but keep in mind health and wealth issues converge as we age," explained James Valentino, Chairman of the Board for AIFG.

"The challenge for society's institutions and individuals is to determine how to best finance longevity. The advisors that people turn to for solutions must truly understand the interaction of wealth and aging-they must be grounded in Financial Gerontology. AIFG's goal is to enable professionals to meet their clients' financial longevity needs."

"The launch of AIFG marks the start of a significant shift in the way financial services are offered to older adults in our society," said John N. Migliaccio, Ph.D., president of AIFG. "Instead of focusing on the sale of specific products, CFGs will be able to help clients finance their wealthspan with an enhanced sensitivity to and knowledge about older consumers."

Graduates of the Certified Financial Gerontology program will have the knowledge and skills to:

• Deliver comprehensive financial solutions, armed with increased knowledge of the older client's broad-based needs
• Enhance their credibility and competitive advantage in the marketplace
• Increase sales and improve client service

The CFG curriculum includes four core courses plus a growing selection of electives. Courses cover topics such as Wealthspan Planning; Processes of Aging: Biology, Psychology & Health; Serving the Older Client: Ethics, Legal Issues and Lifespan Development; and Financing Longevity.

The inaugural CFG program is scheduled for March 12-15, to be held in conjunction with the 2003 Joint Conference of The National Council on the Aging and the American Society on Aging at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers in Chicago, Illinois. Additional CFG programs are scheduled for June 23-26 in San Francisco and July 14-17 in Philadelphia.