You might be surprised to learn that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) once launched a “Zombie Preparedness” campaign. Their logic was brilliant: if you’re ready for a zombie apocalypse, you’re ready for any real emergency. They used a memorable metaphor to get people to pay attention to a serious topic. We think the same logic applies perfectly to healthcare. Being unprepared or disengaged with your Medicare choices can have consequences just as scary as any fictional monster. It can lead to huge out-of-pocket costs and frustrating gaps in your care. So, we’re borrowing a page from the CDC’s book to tell you: don’t be a zombie. Let’s get you prepared to make the best possible choices for your coverage.
Most of us try to live well. We know that small changes to habits, social connections, eating patterns and exercise regimens can, over the long term, yield a happier, more meaningful life.
In my practice as a Certified Senior Advisor, I’ve had the privilege of speaking with thousands and thousands of people on “the other side of 50.” This collective experience has lead me to the realization that there are only two types of people:
The Living Engaged and the Walking Dead. Not quite Zombies, but pretty darn close. Let me explain. When I speak with my tribe of Medicare clients and those who check in daily for help and answers, I’m always struck by the vitality (or the lack thereof) in each person with whom I speak. People in their 80’s and early 90’s are engaged, vital and still savoring life on this side of the great divide. They inspire and help me to do by my best, to be my best and to help others.
Others, in their 60’s, are disengaged, discontent and have little of positive value to share. We all know people who are trapped. They sap the life from our bones. We do our best with these people and we choose to spend as little time with them as possible.
The Japanese have a wonderful expression for these Zombies, the burned out or disengaged who have no zest for life, “Sodai Gomi,” translated as “large garbage.”
When I start getting grumpy and unappreciative, my wife reminds me to drink some coffee, to get to work, to go do something.
Life isn’t fair. Some folks are prettier, smarter, luckier. But Victor Frankel, the concentration camp survivor wrote in “Man’s Search For Meaning” that life is about having goals and missions greater than ourselves. It isn’t about happiness.
Happiness is the byproduct of a well lived life, a life of service to others and to things greater than ourselves.
It’s ok to get a stuck, it’s ok to be depressed, it’s ok to be grouchy… but it ain’t ok to live there.
So, when you feel life’s darkness and the Zombie Malaise setting in, acknowledge it and immediately fill someone else’s cup with love:
- Write a note to someone you love.
- Encourage a friend.
- Hold the door for a stranger.
- Volunteer.
- Apologize for being an idiot.
- Love on an animal.
- Smile at a good memory.
- Laugh with reckless abandon.
Today, don’t be a Zombie.
“We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.”
What Does “Don’t Be a Zombie” Really Mean?
The phrase “Don’t Be a Zombie” has become a surprisingly versatile piece of advice. It’s more than just a nod to pop culture; it’s a metaphor for being disengaged, unprepared, or simply going through the motions without thinking. Whether it’s a government agency trying to make emergency preparedness more interesting or a global charity calling for action, the message is the same: wake up, pay attention, and make conscious choices. The “zombie” represents the version of ourselves that is on autopilot—mindlessly scrolling, driving distracted, or letting important decisions be made for us rather than by us. Throughout this post, we’ll look at the different ways this phrase is used and what we can learn from it. From public health campaigns to personal finance, the call to avoid a “zombie” mindset is a powerful reminder to live with intention and awareness in all aspects of our lives.
“Don’t Be a Zombie” in Public Health and Safety
In the world of public health and safety, getting people to pay attention to important messages can be a real challenge. How do you make topics like emergency preparedness or safe driving feel urgent and memorable? Some of the most effective campaigns have done it by tapping into the zombie phenomenon. By using this familiar horror trope, they create a powerful and sticky metaphor for the dangers of being unprepared or distracted. This approach turns a potentially dry public service announcement into something engaging and even entertaining, ensuring the lesson sticks. It’s a clever way to highlight that in real-life situations, being mentally checked-out or “zombified” can have serious consequences for you and those around you. The message isn’t about fighting fictional monsters; it’s about fighting the real-world dangers of complacency and inattention.
The CDC’s Zombie Preparedness Campaign
One of the most creative examples of this comes from an unlikely source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To make the topic of emergency readiness more appealing, the CDC launched a “Zombie Preparedness” campaign. The idea was simple yet brilliant: if you’re prepared for a zombie apocalypse, you’re prepared for any real emergency, like a hurricane, earthquake, or pandemic. The campaign used a fun, graphic-novel style to outline essential survival steps, such as having an emergency kit with water, food, and other supplies. By framing a serious subject in a humorous and engaging way, the CDC was able to reach new audiences who might have otherwise ignored traditional preparedness advice. It proved that a little creativity can go a long way in getting a critical message across.
Distracted Driving: The Modern-Day Zombie
The zombie metaphor is also powerfully applied to the issue of distracted driving. Safety campaigns often compare drivers who are texting or otherwise not focused on the road to zombies. Think about it: their eyes might be open, but their mind is elsewhere. They are physically operating a vehicle but are mentally absent, unaware of the pedestrians, cyclists, and other cars around them. This “zombie-like” state is incredibly dangerous, turning a routine drive into a life-threatening situation. Public service announcements have used this imagery to shock viewers into recognizing the gravity of their actions. The comparison is effective because it captures the vacant, unresponsive nature of a distracted driver, urging everyone to put their phones down and stay present and alert behind the wheel.
A Global Call to Action: Don’t Be a Zombie
Beyond public safety, the “Don’t Be a Zombie” message has been adopted by international organizations to inspire social and political action. In this context, a “zombie” is someone who is apathetic or passive in the face of major global issues. It’s a person who hears about problems like poverty, inequality, or malnutrition but fails to act, either because they feel powerless or are simply disengaged from the world around them. Advocacy groups use this powerful metaphor to shake people out of their complacency. They argue that real change doesn’t happen when people are mindlessly going through their daily routines. It happens when individuals become informed, engaged, and demand action from their leaders and communities. This call to action is a plea for active global citizenship over passive consumption of news and information.
The Fight Against Child Malnutrition
Save the Children, a leading global nonprofit, used the “Don’t Be a Zombie” concept to rally support in the fight against child malnutrition. The organization framed “zombies” as people and leaders who make promises to help children but fail to follow through with meaningful action. It’s a powerful critique of empty rhetoric and a call for accountability. The campaign urged people, especially youth, to get involved and demand that commitments to improving nutrition are met with real funding and policy changes. By framing inaction as a zombie-like state, the organization effectively highlighted the urgency of the issue and empowered individuals to become active participants in creating a healthier future for children everywhere. It’s a reminder that when it comes to life-or-death issues, passive agreement is not enough; active participation is essential.
How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse (Just in Case)
While the “zombie” metaphor is useful for real-world issues, it’s also fun to consider the literal scenario. What if you actually had to survive a zombie apocalypse? It turns out, some places are better suited for survival than others. This hypothetical exercise isn’t just for fun; it’s another way to think about the core principles of preparedness. Analyzing what makes a location “survivable” involves looking at factors like resources, population density, and natural defenses. It forces you to think strategically about what you would need in a crisis and where you could find it. Whether you’re planning for a fictional monster invasion or a real-world natural disaster, the thought process is surprisingly similar. It all comes down to having a plan, knowing your environment, and understanding what resources are critical for survival.
The Best States for Survival
If the undead ever do start roaming the streets, where should you go? According to some analyses, your best bet is Alaska. With the lowest population density in the country (about one person per square mile), you’ll have plenty of space to avoid hordes of the undead. Alaska also boasts abundant natural resources, including fresh water and opportunities for hunting, along with a significant military presence and numerous airports for a potential escape. Other states that rank high on the survivability list often share similar characteristics—they are rural, have access to resources, and possess natural barriers like mountains or water. It’s a fun thought experiment that reinforces a serious point: in any crisis, location and resources matter immensely.
Key Factors for Preparedness
So, what are the key ingredients for surviving a zombie apocalypse? Experts and enthusiasts agree on a few critical factors. Low population density is a major one, as fewer people mean fewer potential zombies to deal with. Access to resources is also crucial; this includes things like fresh water, fertile land for farming, and stores for hunting and fishing supplies. Good infrastructure, such as well-maintained roads and airports, can be a lifesaver for mobility and escape. Natural barriers like mountains and rivers can provide a tactical advantage by slowing down an advancing horde. Finally, a strong military presence can offer protection and organization in a chaotic world. These factors for survival are all about being in a resilient and defensible position, a good strategy for any emergency.
Zombies in a Biblical Context
The idea of the dead rising from their graves is not just a modern horror trope; it has roots that go back thousands of years, including passages in the Bible. However, the biblical concept is quite different from the flesh-eating monsters we see in movies and on TV. When the Bible talks about the dead coming back to life, it’s almost always in the context of resurrection, which is presented as a miraculous and divine act, not a horrifying curse. Understanding this distinction helps to see how the modern zombie myth has evolved from these ancient ideas while taking on a much darker and more terrifying form. Exploring these biblical passages offers a different perspective on the theme of life after death, one that is centered on hope and divine power rather than mindless horror.
Resurrection, Not Reanimation
It’s important to clarify that the Bible does not describe “zombies” in the way we understand them today. The concept of reanimation—a corpse rising to mindlessly attack the living—is absent. Instead, the Bible speaks of resurrection, which is the restoration of life by God. This is seen as a moment of ultimate triumph over death, where individuals are brought back whole and complete, not as decaying shells of their former selves. The key difference lies in the source and purpose of the revival. In zombie lore, the revival is often due to a virus or curse, resulting in a monstrous creature. In the Bible, resurrection is a divine act that restores a person to true life, often in a glorified state.
Key Biblical Passages on the Dead Rising
Several passages in the Bible describe the dead rising, and they are often cited in discussions about the origins of zombie-like ideas. One of the most famous is in Ezekiel 37, where the prophet has a vision of a valley of dry bones coming back to life, symbolizing the restoration of Israel. Another key passage is in Matthew 27:51-53, which describes the tombs of holy people breaking open after Jesus’s crucifixion, with many rising and appearing in Jerusalem. Finally, 1 Corinthians 15 provides a detailed theological discussion of the resurrection of the dead as a central tenet of Christian faith. These biblical verses about the dead rising focus on themes of hope, renewal, and divine power, standing in stark contrast to the modern horror genre.
Don’t Be a Medicare Zombie
Now, let’s bring this idea home. The “Don’t Be a Zombie” mindset is incredibly relevant when it comes to managing your healthcare, especially Medicare. A “Medicare Zombie” is someone who approaches this crucial decision on autopilot. They might passively accept the first plan they see, or stick with their current coverage year after year without ever checking if it’s still the right fit. This disengaged approach can lead to major problems, like paying too much for coverage, having unexpected gaps in care, or facing steep penalties. Just like a zombie mindlessly shuffles along, a Medicare Zombie moves through their healthcare journey without awareness or intention. Making informed, active choices about your Medicare plan is one of the most important things you can do for your health and financial well-being as you get older.
What is a “Medicare Zombie”?
A “Medicare Zombie” is someone who is disengaged and passive about their healthcare coverage. They don’t ask questions, they don’t compare plans, and they don’t review their coverage annually to see if it still meets their needs. This can happen for many reasons—the information can feel overwhelming, it’s easy to procrastinate, or they might assume that all plans are basically the same. This autopilot approach means they are letting a critical life decision happen *to* them, rather than taking control. They might be trapped in a plan that costs too much, doesn’t cover their doctors or prescriptions, or leaves them exposed to huge out-of-pocket costs. Breaking free from this zombie-like state means becoming an active, engaged participant in your own healthcare choices.
The Dangers of Autopiloting Your Medicare Choices
Letting your Medicare choices run on autopilot can have serious and lasting consequences. It’s not a decision you can afford to make passively. When you aren’t paying close attention, you can easily fall into common traps that cost you money and compromise your care. The world of Medicare changes every year—plans update their benefits, doctor networks shift, and prescription formularies are revised. Sticking with the same plan without an annual review is like assuming a map from five years ago will still get you where you need to go today. The landscape has changed, and your needs have likely changed too. Being proactive is the only way to ensure your coverage keeps up with your life.
Missing Enrollment Deadlines
One of the biggest dangers of being on autopilot is missing critical enrollment deadlines. Medicare has specific times when you can sign up or make changes, like your Initial Enrollment Period when you first turn 65 and the Annual Enrollment Period each fall. If you miss your initial window to sign up for Part B or Part D, you could be hit with late enrollment penalties. These aren’t one-time fees; they are added to your monthly premium for as long as you have the coverage. It’s a costly mistake that comes from not paying attention to the calendar.
Overlooking Prescription Drug Coverage
A “Medicare Zombie” often sticks with the same Part D prescription drug plan year after year without a second thought. But insurance companies can change their formularies (the list of covered drugs) annually. A medication that was covered this year might not be covered next year, or it could be moved to a more expensive tier. If your health has changed and you’re taking new medications, your old plan might be a terrible fit. Failing to review your drug plan each year can lead to you paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars more out-of-pocket at the pharmacy.
Choosing a Plan That Doesn’t Fit Your Needs
Your healthcare needs are not static. The doctors you see, the specialists you need, and the health conditions you manage can all change over time. A Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan that was a perfect fit when you were a healthy 65-year-old might not provide the right coverage when you’re 75 and managing a chronic condition. A disengaged approach means you might not realize your favorite doctor is no longer in your plan’s network until you’re hit with a surprise bill. Actively choosing a plan means matching it to your current health needs, your preferred doctors and hospitals, and your budget.
How to Be Prepared for Medicare
The best way to avoid becoming a Medicare Zombie is to be prepared and proactive. Start by reviewing your coverage every single year during the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7. Keep an updated list of your doctors, specialists, and prescription medications. Use this list to compare plans and ensure everything and everyone you need is covered. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. The rules can be confusing, and the choices can be overwhelming. Working with an independent and licensed insurance agent can make all the difference. At The Big 65, we specialize in helping people make sense of their options. We can help you compare plans, check your prescriptions, and find coverage that truly fits your life—ensuring you’re making an active, informed decision, not just shuffling along.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly do you mean by a “Medicare Zombie?” Think of it as being on autopilot with your healthcare choices. A “Medicare Zombie” is someone who doesn’t actively review their plan each year or compare their options. They might stick with the same coverage out of habit, even if it no longer fits their health needs or budget. It’s not about being lazy; it’s about being disengaged from a decision that has huge consequences for your health and finances.
I’ve had the same Medicare plan for years and it seems fine. Why should I bother reviewing it? What worked perfectly last year might be a poor fit this year. Insurance companies change their plans annually—doctor networks can shrink, prescription drug lists are updated, and costs can shift. At the same time, your own health needs may have changed. A yearly review ensures your plan keeps up with your life, preventing surprise bills or gaps in care when you need it most.
What are the biggest risks of not paying close attention to my Medicare choices? The most common pitfalls are financial. You could miss your initial enrollment window and face lifelong late enrollment penalties on your monthly premiums. Another major risk is with prescription drugs; your current plan might stop covering a medication you need or move it to a much more expensive tier. Finally, you might discover too late that your trusted doctor is no longer in your plan’s network, leaving you with the entire bill.
This all feels a bit overwhelming. What is the single most important first step I can take? The best way to start is by getting organized. Before you even look at plans, take a moment to create a simple list of your current doctors, specialists, and all the prescription medications you take, including the dosages. This list is your personal toolkit. It contains all the essential information you need to effectively compare plans and find one that truly covers your specific needs.
How does the CDC’s “zombie preparedness” idea really connect to choosing a Medicare plan? The CDC’s campaign was about having the right resources ready before an emergency happens. The same logic applies directly to Medicare. By proactively choosing the right coverage each year, you are essentially creating your own healthcare emergency kit. You’re ensuring that when a health issue arises—expected or not—you have a solid plan in place to protect both your health and your savings.
Key Takeaways
- Treat Medicare Like a Survival Plan: The “zombie” metaphor is a memorable way to show the dangers of being passive. Approaching your Medicare decisions with awareness and intention is the best way to protect your health and avoid costly surprises.
- Your Coverage Needs an Annual Review: Sticking with the same plan without checking it each year is a major risk. Plan benefits, doctor networks, and covered prescriptions change, so an annual review ensures your coverage still fits your life.
- Ask for Help to Avoid Common Traps: You don’t have to figure out Medicare alone. Working with an independent agent helps you compare plans accurately and avoid common pitfalls like missed deadlines or surprise costs, ensuring you make a confident choice.