As a result of an initial workshop on the Role of Engaged Seniors in Society, held in Ottawa, ON on January 16th, 2010, the following resources to be an Engaged Senior were identified:

Internal Resources

• A story to tell
• Awareness of own beliefs
• Awareness of timing for intervening
• Care
• Commitment
• Confidence
• Curiosity
• Desire to teach
• Desire to learn
• Determination
• Empathy
• Enthusiasm
• Generosity
• Faith in life
• Gratitude
• Idealism
• Interest
• Internalized role model
• Mental ability
• Passion to serve
• Realism
• Self awareness
• Sense of appropriateness of action
• Sense of purpose
• Sensitivity
• Skills
• Stamina
• Understanding
• Volunteering spirit

External Resources

• Accessibility
• Awareness of others
• Basic needs met
• Bias toward action
• Boundaries
• Communication - with others and media
• Connection network
• Financing
• Gear
• Health ( We had a discussion around the issue of health. We did not necessarily consider it necessary to have a state of perfect health without illness/decreased physical capacity.  At the same time, health does imply a state of well being that denotes wholeness even with an ongoing illness or diminished physical capacity.)
• Information 
• Judicious
• Mobility
• Opportunities
• Peer support system
• Plan
• Role Models
• Time