Last month, I gave a presentation about technology to a group of residents at Kings Point in Tamarac. As I introduced what Heart2Heart does, I explained how we intentionally use the phrase “aging population” in place of “elderly” and sometimes even “senior.”

In my experience, that word choice helps volunteers think more broadly about the people they serve.

However, in keeping with our person-centered approach, I asked the group: “What do you like to be called?”

We had a good crowd for the event, about 50 people. Almost in unison, they all said, “Alive.”

The answer surprised me.

We had a good crowd for the event, about 50 people. Almost in unison, they all said, “Alive.”

You could tell that this was a conversation they’ve had before. Or maybe it really was a united thought that they all had in that moment.

I think what I heard from that is: “We want to be seen, heard and included.”

I thought that was interesting. The question for me now is, how do you put that into verbiage? The alive population? I’m not sure.

The important message is that they’re not dead. They’re not done. They’re not just seniors, not just elderly.

They didn’t want to feel like they graduated into this group of people only to be put in the corner or on the back burner.

A lot of them were very proud about what they did throughout the day.

One lady said she writes a column and draws cartoons for the community magazine. Another guy ran an online business, shipping products around the world.

How can we help someone feel what they are, which is alive?

This month, I want our seniors to tell their story. In this blog, we will give space to four friends who, to us, embody what it means to be alive and well.

I want to know from them: What does it mean to get older? How do you feel about who you are in your timeline?

What does being alive mean to you?

I’m excited to read what they have to say. Stay tuned!