Men have no idea what it’s like trying to figure out what size each item is (which varies by store, as well as season, not to mention what is “in”), they have the pleasure of just dealing with measurements. I know I wear a variety of sizes between not only the number size, but then the style, and let’s not forget height. The definition of Petite by clothing manufactures is shorter than 5’3.” That’s just great for me because I am 5’3” which means a good part of the time Petite clothing is too short for me and “regular” sizes are too long. Next there is the option between Misses, Women’s, and Juniors. So you see, the variables expand at an exponential rate, and all I want to do is get what I need and move on, not try on six different versions of one item.

Is this just a normal rant? NO! You may have noticed before that I tag some blog entries with “Feature Requests” and that’s what this is semi-rant is about. I would love to see the following…

I would like to go into a local store and have myself scanned. Think of it as an x-ray, or perhaps something along the lines of a Motion Capture suit, like what Andy Serkis wore during the filming of The Lord of the Rings. Next, I’d like to be able to shop for my clothes online with any retailer I wish, and at the start of the session be able to click on my linked 3D-self (which of course my retailer would support) and move along with my shopping. This 3D image would then give me an option to “try on” a variety of clothing and styles, all virtually, from the comfort of my desk chair and the ease of a few clicks. Even better, my options would automatically be limited to only show me what would fit me, based on my 3D-Me. I could then order the items that fit and reduce the chance of having to return 80% of my order. This would actually make shopping much easier, faster, and, maybe even encourage me to “try on” more than I came to the store to purchase since I wouldn’t be worn out from trying on twenty different pairs of jeans.

Every year I would go back to my local 3D-Me store for a rescan to update my virtual self. Of course, I realize there are some software challenges to resolve, but can you imagine? Yes, 3D-Me please! Image by Cayusa

When do we discuss aging? If we don’t discuss it in the early years along with proactive, preventative measures, what can we possibly discuss in our elder years other than reactive? I remember my grandfather put up an enormous fight over giving up his car keys, and later was seen driving his motor scooter down the street with a flash light tied the front… But again, I digress.

Is anything being done to improve “quality of life” of the elder community BEFORE they get to a stage where “matters need to be discussed?”

I came across some news this past week about a program that is being piloted to allow older drivers reduced car insurance. Allstate has a plan in the works that would offer clients aged 50-75, discounts in exchange for GAMING! Gaming often receives a bad rap for being a waste of time, instigating violent behaviors, or just whatever-negative-reasoning-someone-can-create. The truth is that gaming increases cognitive behavior and response time and is an excellent way to rejuvenate the mind.

The news of Allstate’s program is what I hope to be the first of many such ingenious ways to discuss aging matters, improve quality of life of those currently in the “Baby Boomer phase” and simply bring attention to an aspect of life that usually receives a “shhh” response.

Now, what does this have to do with “Geeks & Gamers?” It’s simple… how many assisted living homes have Themes? None that I’ve come across. There are the standard services offered along with nursing care and different levels of assistance and monitoring. What about activities? How many assisted living homes provide the option for those to live with other people who have common interests? I picture assisted living homes like college dorms, but they are nothing like that at all. Why not?

Forget arts & crafts, shuffle board, and Mahjong. I want to see assisted living homes have themes, and most importantly, when it’s time – I want to live with the geeks and gamers. I’d like to spend my evenings in the common room playing D&D, Magic the Gathering, or whatever MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online game) is popular in 40 years so I can play alongside my friends in other parts of the country.

What about you? What do you want to see change?

So where is this service? Apparently waiting for YOU to create it (yes, YOU – I can break the fourth wall here). In the mean time, if you like my work, feel free to Buy Me a Beer!