There’s a lot of heated debate over when life begins. Folks on both sides of the dispute are quick to argue about their points vehemently. But what about when living ends?

Irving Locker, a 101-year-old World War II veteran of the Utah Beach landing on D-Day, recently published his first song, “If Freedom Was Free.” “Freedom,” he says, “is not free. People should be thankful for it and for those who make it possible.” He and his wife of 77 years, Bernice, still go out dancing, and he quips, “You should see me on the dance floor, even now.” He travels the world telling stories of the war, and his smile and energy show that he still has a dynamic presence.

His bones sometimes ache. He admits that he’s slowed down, but vows never to stop. “I’m still here,” he told me, “so I’m going to keep on living!” Irving has it right. Along my tour this year, I’ve met so many vibrant and exciting folks in their 80s, 90s, and even 100’s who are living every day to the fullest, and I ask myself, “Am I?” Are you?

Unfortunately, I’ve seen many people who have stopped living long before their lives ended. When Bonnie from Fort Myers sat me down and told me stories of her hundred years, her eyes twinkled like a magician with a big secret. She sang with me and had the spark of life that energized a room. Bonnie had it right, too. With joy and glee, she was still living her best life.

I met “Flow” just last week. At 106 years old, she was spicy, funny, and full of mischief. After my show, she asked if I would take a picture with her, and I admitted that I would be enthused to add her to my “centenarian” wall back in my studio. As I stood next to her for the photos, she tapped my bottom and said, “You’re quite a handsome man!” When I smiled and looked back at her, she added: “I’m old, not blind!” Flow had it right as well.

They all knew that just being alive was not the same as living their lives well. I took that to heart and hope that I will never forget those lessons. Will you?