While I don’t plan to take the Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) exam, I am using its topic framework as a guide to systematically build a strong foundation for working with older adults—especially in the area of technology use. My goal is to develop expertise at the intersection of aging and technology, ensuring that I understand key issues beyond just the tech itself.
A Structured Approach: My Senior Advisor Learning Plan (SALP)
To keep my learning intentional and organized, I developed a Senior Advisor Learning Plan (SALP), which ensures steady progress and prevents me from getting stuck on any single area. For each topic, I take the following steps:
- Identify Key Resources – Books, articles, reports, and online courses that provide foundational knowledge.
- Locate Relevant Reports – Recent studies and industry insights that highlight trends and emerging issues.
- Find News & Updates – Staying informed on policies, innovations, and real-world applications.
- Understand Key Concepts & Vocabulary – Ensuring I have a strong grasp of terminology in aging, healthcare, and technology.
- Leverage Local & Virtual Resources – Attending talks, webinars, and training sessions.
- Listen to Podcasts – A great way to absorb expert insights on aging, technology, and senior care while on the go.
How I Organize My Learning: TiddlyWiki & the SALP Tag
With so much information across different topics, I needed a way to track my progress and connect ideas. I use TiddlyWiki as my electronic notebook, tagging everything related to this learning journey with SALP (Senior Advisor Learning Plan).
How This Helps:
- Easy Retrieval: If I need to review my notes on a specific topic (e.g., long-term care financing or digital literacy for seniors), I simply search the full text of my notes or I filter based on the SALP tag. Within the broad SALP tag category, I have more specific tags as well.
- Connecting Ideas: I link related topics, such as how cognitive health research intersects with AgeTech solutions like wearables and smart home devices. I make extensive use of hyperlinks within the TiddlyWiki.
- Tracking Progress: I can see which topics I’ve explored deeply and where I need more research.
- Refining My Understanding: When I revisit older notes, I update them with new insights, making my knowledge base dynamic and evolving.
How I’ve Leveraged Technology in My Learning
1. Generative AI as a Research Assistant: Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot have transformed how I process information. I use AI to:
- Summarize lengthy reports into digestible insights.
- Clarify complex topics by asking follow-up questions.
- Compare different perspectives on aging-related issues.
- Generate structured notes that I later refine and tag in my TiddlyWiki.
This has made my study sessions far more efficient, allowing me to focus on analysis rather than spending hours sifting through documents.
2. Digital Note-Taking & Concept Mapping: Beyond TiddlyWiki, I use concept maps to visualize connections between different aspects of aging and technology. This approach helps me see how topics like digital inclusion for seniors relate to health equity and access to care.
Expanding My Learning Through Events & Training
Structured self-study is important, but I also make sure to learn from experts, attend discussions, and engage with the broader community. Some standout learning opportunities I’ve taken advantage of include:
A Local Talk on Assistive Technologies – I recently attended a community event focused on assistive technologies, where a local expert discussed available technology to support the hearing impaired. Seeing real-world applications of these technologies deepened my understanding of how older adults interact with them. This was focused on what is available to everyone without our state, including the local support organizations. It was attended by people who are struggling with hearing impairments and/or their caregivers.
The Microsoft Abilities Summit – This free online event held on 3/18/2025 highlighted how AI and digital accessibility tools are transforming the lives of individuals with disabilities and older adults. Learning about Microsoft’s efforts in inclusive technology gave me insights into how mainstream tech companies are integrating accessibility features in their products. This is particularly useful to empower workers who struggle with disabilities and there are benefits to older adults as well even if older adults are not the primary target.
Senior Planet Trainings – I’ve explored some of Senior Planet’s free training sessions, which help older adults navigate digital tools with confidence. Seeing how these sessions are structured has given me ideas on how to frame AgeTech education for different learning styles.
Breaking the Age Code (Book) – Written by Becca Levy, this book explores how our beliefs about aging directly impact longevity, health, and even cognitive function. Levy’s research-backed insights have challenged me to think critically about how ageism shapes technology adoption and how shifting mindsets could improve older adults’ engagement with digital tools.
Key Takeaway: Learning Without Limits
The CSA exam topics provide a useful structure, but real learning isn’t about passing a test—it’s about building meaningful, applicable knowledge. By combining structured study methods with digital tools like TiddlyWiki, Generative AI, concept mapping, and real-world events, I’m shaping a personalized, evolving learning journey that supports my work in AgeTech and older adult learning.
If you’re considering an independent study project, whether for professional development or personal growth, finding a structured approach, leveraging technology, and engaging with real-world learning opportunities can make all the difference.