When I first planned this column I was thinking about helping out the boomer generation who, while getting older and more worn out, are not accepting it lightly. As in every other facet of that generation’s needs, the retail industry has scratched their heads to come up with products that make their lives more comfortable and productive.

I searched out stores that sell products for aching backs, ones that have specialized beds and others for vision and hearing loss. Having visited them, I realized that these stores are not just for older people, but for everyone. Injuries are not age related – anyone can hurt themselves in sports or in an accident and wind up with a painful back.

The idea in my mind, and I’m guessing yours too, is that the only time you’d think about buying an electric bed is when you need one for convalescing elders. Boy, was I wrong. Anyone who watches television in bed or who likes to nest and read would really enjoy a bed that sits up with them.

The last store at first specialized in people with vision problems (and again that can affect people of all ages), and then added things to help with hearing difficulties. How many Generation Xers who have used earphones for listening to loud music for most of their lives are starting to need help here?

Boutique Tout pour le Dos, 8780 St.Laurent Blvd at Cremazie Blvd. Phone: 514-383-1582 or 800-268-1582. Hours: Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The salespeople at this shop work on finding the right product to fit your back needs. Yes, there are those comfy desk chairs, but also massaging lounge chairs, memory foam mattresses, belts, portable footrests and seats, adjustable keyboards, exercise devices and lots of advice. A new product is the Bedlounger, which is a cushion with head rests and armrests for comfortable reading in bed. www.toutpourledos.com

Sommeil Davantage, 3555 St. Charles Blvd. at Place Grilli, Kirkland. Phone: 514-322-7777 or 888-744-2878.Monday to Wednesday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursday and Friday 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Electric beds are no longer being bought for bed-ridden patients. Everyone who reads or watches TV in bed would enjoy one that can, with a push of a button, sit up. The 40 models (widths 30″, 39″, 54″or 60″) include some that give massages, others that hug the wall or ones that can go back down if there is a loss of electricity. The showroom also features water beds, air beds and lifting chairs. You must try the massage chairs by Interactive Health and Panasonic. Other locations: 3830 Henri Bourassa Blvd. East. (514-852-2222); Greenfield Park, 2924 Taschereau Blvd.(450-466-6060). www.sommeildavantage.com

Ultravision, 5645 Cote des Neiges Rd. at Cote Ste. Catherine Rd. Phone: 514-344-3988. Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Maybe a store specializing in low vision (and hearing impaired) products doesn’t sound like a place you want to browse through, but some of the gadgets are truly cool. How about a phone with giant numbers or one that amplifies voices to 50 decibels, a talking clock or watch, larger computer letters for your keyboard? Some people might appreciate night driving glasses, a TV screen enlarger or TV ears for personal amplifying. Gift ideas might include a vibrating clock, wearable binoculars or magnifying makeup mirrors. Specialized Fresnel lenses are sold here to help cut computer glare, and video magnifiers (CCTV) can be bought too . www.ultravisionmontreal.com