If you have a few minutes, read this excellent Wall Street Journal story about how retailers are planning changes to address America's growing elderly population. Retail executives are going through simulations of what it's like to shop when you are older. I would totally love to do that. Here's what this experiment might entail:
BUFFALO GROVE, Ill. -- Before walking into a Walgreens drugstore here, Todd Vang donned glasses that blurred his vision, slipped un-popped popcorn into his shoes and adjusted tape that bound his thumbs to his palms.
The get-up was part of an exercise designed to help retailers better understand the physical challenges facing elderly shoppers. Mr. Vang, a 42-year-old Walgreen Co. vice president, struggled to pick up a can of soup. "I can't imagine how this would feel if the store were crowded," he said.
Re: Adjusting for older shoppers...
When I use to go to Ohio and take my parents out to eat at their favorite cafeteria they would always order the "Jack Benny" portion of the meal. I always thought it was about money (that smaller portion was less costly) but as I am getting to their age I understand better,,,,it is not the money but the portion size. Hopefully some of the restaurants in this area will get that message. A big portion...take home at least half....eat it for 2 days,,,and you hope you never see that again.