The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology has announced a new training program designed to help financial advisers and retirement specialists better understand and address the evolving needs of the nation’s aging population and their families.

The Merrill Lynch Longevity Training Program offers insights into the advances, research and experiences in the field of gerontology, which includes the sociological, psychological and physiological aspects of aging.

Participants will learn about issues associated with longevity through an exploration of seven life priorities, including health, home, family, giving, leisure, work and finances.

Anticipating and understanding the unique needs and dreams of older adults is more important than ever.

Pinchas Cohen

“As our society continues to rapidly age, anticipating and understanding the unique needs and dreams of older adults is more important than ever,” said USC Davis Dean Pinchas Cohen. “Increasing longevity can bring longer retirements, changing health care choices, more housing transitions and many other challenges to financial security and independence. By introducing gerontology knowledge to the financial advice they receive, we aim to help older individuals accomplish more of the goals they’ve set for themselves and their loved ones.”



Online courses and best practices

Participants must complete approximately 12 hours of training over the course of four to eight weeks, delivered through a combination of on-demand videos featuring USC professors, online courses and reference materials, and Web-based best practice presentations and knowledge sharing from Merrill Lynch subject matter experts, including Cyndi Hutchins MA ’13, director of financial gerontology.

Throughout the training, participants will complete scored assessments of content knowledge and application skills and, at the conclusion, receive a Certificate of Completion from USC and up to nine continuing education credits for Certified Financial Planner, Certified Investment Management Analyst or Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor.

“We’ve partnered with one of the nation’s most prestigious universities, and a pioneer in the study of gerontology, to help ensure that our advisers and specialists have a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges presented by increasing longevity,” said David Tyrie, head of retirement and personal wealth solutions for Merrill Lynch.

“Greater knowledge of and appreciation for various aspects of aging helps us better connect with our clients, address concerns and achieve their desired outcomes leading up to and through retirement,” he said.

More stories about: Aging, Gerontology, Health Care