Paul and Pappas Become Certified Senior Advisors

(Mason City, Iowa)- Patty Paul, Heritage Club Coordinator at First Citizens National Bank, and Roberta Pappas, Trust Officer at First Citizens Trust and Investment Services, recently completed a course through the Society of Certified Senior Advisors (SCSA). They have both earned the designation of Certified Senior Advisor (CSA).

SCSA is an international organization that has trained over 20,000 professionals to meet the changing needs of a growing senior population. “The health, financial and social needs of seniors are different and more complicated than any other age group,” said Paul. “The training keeps us abreast of all types of issues by providing education, training, support and communication resources to those dedicated to serving seniors,” said Pappas. In the United States seniors (age 65 and older) total over 35 million and will continue to increase (with women being the largest segment), leading to an unprecedented shift in the age of the population.

By 2030, the U.S. Bureau of Census predicts there will be about 70 million people who are 65 and older - one in five Americans will be seniors. This demographic shift requires an educated response in how professionals work with seniors and the challenges and opportunities they face. “With more people living longer, we are already beginning to see changes in the aging process in our society,” said Paul. “From retirees who choose to start a second or third career, to various forms of alternative senior housing and new approaches to diet, exercise and overall health care for seniors, we are seeing changes,” said Pappas. As a CSA, Paul and Pappas will participate in continuing education that emphasizes ethical selling and business practice and volunteer services specific to seniors.

For more information about the Heritage Club (financial and social club for those 55 and older) or about First Citizens Trust and Investment Services, please call 423-1600.