I think my church is probably like most places of worship these days. Not only are prayers said specifically for congregants who are in need of healing or comfort or strength, but general prayers are also said for all those who are suffering economic hardships and are forced to look for new jobs.

As I was discussing the unemployment topic with a couple of church friends this week, one of them said that he thought perhaps the best thing people looking for work could do is try and figure out what industries are on the rise.

Now, this friend is a member of the Baby Boomer generation. So when I tell you the suggestion he has for one of those industries, you have to know he realizes he's kind of pointing a finger at himself. My friend proposed the funeral home business. Well, to be precise, he suggested an adjunct trade ... the formaldehyde-making industry. At first, those involved in the discussion responded the way you probably just did ...with nervous laughter. Until we realized he was right. Over the course of the next 25-30 years, a great many Boomers are going to their reward. Hopefully, all are already making preparations for their immortal soul. But, in the end, our physical bodies are going to require some attention too. So we all had to admit my friend's proposition really had a lot of merit.

That got me to thinking about other products or commercial entities that might aim for Boomers' wallets, but may not be on everyone's radar. For example:

Hearing Aid Batteries. Let's face it. An entire generation cranked up the stereo volume as loud as it would go. And we haven't stopped yet. We were warned at the time we'd all go deaf. (Don't you just hate it when your parents were right?) Audiology is probably a pretty good field to go into now, but the battery business has to be better. You may only visit a hearing specialist once a year or so, but I'm advised that hearing aid batteries are short-lived. Might as well get used to another monthly payment.

Black Socks. Boomers love the beach, and have bought a ton of waterfront property. But even though we spent countless Spring Breaks making fun of the old guys with the beer bellies walking at the water's edge in their sandals and black socks, you can just predict that at least half of us are going to be filling those shoes at some point in our retirement lives. I think it's genetically part of the male DNA to finally admit your feet hurt and it just feels better when you're wearing socks.

Bakeries. Surely you remember when you were a kid and your Mom would either send you or take you to the local freestanding bakery in town. You got a sugar high from the moment you opened the door. Nothing in the place contained less than 500 calories per bite. Yes, I know many of us are supposedly watching what we eat and trying to stay in some semblance of shape. But there comes a time when gravity wins, you throw in the towel, and finally give in to the siren song of a chocolate eclair. And while you're at the shop, might as well get one for this afternoon and tomorrow too. Oh, yeah, bakeries will definitely make a comeback. You're salivating already, aren't you?

Shoe Shine Stands. Look, if we're eating all those pastries, there's a good bet we're not going to find it easy to bend down long enough to put a little polish on our loafers and wing-tips. But we still want the illusion of "stylin'." I'm thinking entrepreneurs with several stands around town could charge pretty much whatever they want to. Boomers have been proven to be vain. We'll pay the freight if it means just sitting and letting somebody else do the work.

Big Hats. This is more for the ladies. After all the time in your youth spent roasting under the lucky ol' sun with nothing on but a couple of strategically placed pieces of cloth and half a bottle of tanning oil, your dermatologist has now told you to keep your head covered at the beach. I'm thinking English Derby hats with wide brims and colorful accoutrements are going to be huge.

And finally, Electronics. You can't go wrong there. Boomers already bought Sgt. Pepper's on vinyl, cassette, 8-track, CD, and we've downloaded it to our iPods. Produce it in another form and we'll buy what it takes to play it again.

Hope that helps. And good luck with your new career. Let me know if it works out. If this writing gig doesn't pan out, I may join you.

Bill Lewis is a free lance writer in Marietta.