What is the definition of a "decedent"?

The term "decedent" refers specifically to a person who has died. This definition is widely used in legal, funeral service, and estate planning contexts. Understanding this term is crucial for professionals in the funeral service industry, as it is a foundational concept when discussing matters related to death and the subsequent processes that follow.

The other options describe individuals who are not relevant to the definition of a decedent. For example, a person who is planning a funeral might be a family member or friend of the decedent, but they are not the decedent themselves. Similarly, a person who has been cremated is someone who underwent a specific process after death, but the term decedent is concerned with the state of having died, not the manner of disposition. Lastly, being elderly does not automatically imply that a person is a decedent, as many elderly individuals are still living. Thus, the clear focus on death in the correct answer encapsulates the essence of the role and definition of a decedent.