Martha recently posted about how exercise can help stroke patients recover. A new virtual reality program that is undergoing clinical trials in the UK and in Canada helps the recovery process a little more.

A researcher at Portsmouth University in the UK created a treadmill that's linked to a virtual reality system. The system helps people recovering from strokes, traumatic falls, and those living with osteoarthritis to build up their endurance, increase their range of motion, and improve their gate.

The system displays scenes -- cityscapes, forest trails, mountains, etc. As the patient is walking on the treadmill, the scenery changes. The system gives them the motivation to walk -- and it also encourages them to virtually pick up objects which aids in balance. In addition, the motion of the scenery is adjusted so the patients walk faster and more smoothly, almost without realizing it.

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Did you know that falls are the top cause of injury and death for the elderly in the United States? According to the American Geriatric Society, that is, in fact, the case. What might surprise you even more is that most of these falls occur in the home.

Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to protect yourself or a loved one from taking a dangerous spill. Because every home is different, it's a good idea to take a walk through the home in question with the specific purpose of checking for possible dangers.

Click through the gallery to see the seven tips given by the American Geriatric Society, and feel free to leave a comment if you have other suggestions!

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Many of us young folks take our bodies for granted, but imagine how difficult life would be if our strength and our balance were compromised? Elderly people deal with this on a daily basis -- hence the need for railings and handles in their homes. Falling is common amongst seniors and it can lead to a whole slew of health problems like broken bones and fractures.

But new research is showing that this problem is more profound than previously thought -- in fact, an elderly person dies from a fall every five hours, according to this article from That Daily Mail. Yikes.

If you're approaching the golden years, or have an elderly relative that needs your help, please talk to your doctor about ways to prevent falls.

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One hundred years ago, only 3 million people in this country were aged 65 or older. Today, more than 36 million Americans are in this age group, and that number is expected to grow during the next 25 years to over 70 million as baby boomers age.

Regular physical activity, keeping the mind busy, and a healthy diet are key to healthy aging and physical independence. Not only does it keep the body strong, but keeping the body moving protects and improves your emotional and cognitive health and people who mentally challenge themselves, and stay connected with loved ones are less likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, short-term memory loss, and illness in general. Maintaining a healthy diet keeps the body and mind sharper. Avoid high sodium, sugar, and high fat diets. Stay away from smoking or heavy alcohol use.

Regular walking and aerobic exercise is proven to help manage depression, anxiety, and stress and maintains balance, strength, and flexibility, which are key to preventing injuries and falls. Challenging your intellect on a daily basis by reading, learning a new musical instrument or language, doing crossword puzzles, or playing games of strategy or cards with others will keep the brain active and developing and less likely to lose its power and memory. Eating healthy will maintain your weight, as well as keep a handle on developing diabetic, heart, or colon problems.

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Growing older is inevitable, but moving out of your home someday because you just can't get around safely anymore doesn't have to be. The statistics are scary: falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries for people over age 65, one in three people over 65 will fall each year, and the majority of hip fractures are causes by falls at home.

But as disconcerting as those figures may be, the good news is that there are many things you can do to minimize your risk of falling or getting hurt in your own place. This article goes over several of the topics from two books on fall prevention, including simple things to do like having your stair railings extended, taking a close look at the kind of carpeting you have, and even the effects fear and other mental factors can have.

Most falls are preventable, despite aging and it's difficulties. But unfortunately for me, the article doesn't mention anything about falls from plain clumsiness.

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