Some of my fellow workers retired, and they could not adjust, so they sat on the couch and watched TV. They were alive, but not living their lives. They soon died (6 months to a year). Others planned ahead of retirement, and had goals and hobbies. They were alive and living their lives after retirement.. That's the best I can explain it.
Being alive is having a pulse, existing. Sponges are alive.
Living is making your pulse race, pursuing the joys of life.; giving purpose to existing.