There is a new gizmo coming out in a few weeks that reminds you to stand tall. The small electronic device, called the Lumo Lift, helps you track your posture. The unit coordinates with a smartphone app that shows you your progress and provides insight into your behavior.

Lumo Lift is a sensor that clips onto your clothes near your chest and shoulders using an interchangeable magnetic clasp. You will receive a gentle vibration when you slouch.

I first heard about the new gadget from my friend Susan Babcock. Within a few hours, I saw it advertised on Facebook. At first I thought the Lumo Lift was silly because most adults should be able to stand tall on their own. Then I remembered that many people tend to slouch so a gentle reminder was in order.

The introduction of the Lumo Lift reminded me of a predicament I encountered about 25 years ago. Eliot, Whitney, and I were staying at the Boca Beach Club hotel during a school break. Eliot and Whitney were on the beach and I was planning to meet them. When it came time for me to leave our guest room, I discovered that Eliot had taken the bag with my swimsuit coverup. In order for me to meet them on the beach, I was required to walk through the lobby. That meant exposing my chubby body to other guests. I pictured myself trying to get to the other side by putting my head and shoulders down and running fast.

I suddenly realized that my cousin Marilyn always walks with an air of confidence. As scared as I was, I decided to walk through the lobby with my tallest posture and my head high. I did that and also found myself waving to people seated nearby like I was a political candidate. It worked like a charm. People were focused on my confidence rather than my big fat tush.

The Lumo Lift can probably give all of us in our senior years that confidence we need to remain strong and happy.

The device will also give us valuable insights into our behavior. It will measure how many steps we take each day, how many calories we burn, and how much time we stand tall.

The price has not been set yet, but it should fall between $59 and $79.