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19
OLD PEOPLE'S CLINICS
A Geriatric Clinic is held weekly on Friday mornings at Neasden Clinic, Balnacraig Avenue,
N.W.10. During 1971. 37 sessions were held and the total attendances were 153. Nine out of 54 cases
were seen for the first time. The majority made the journey on foot, with or without public transport. Over
90 per cent were receiving chiropody treatment from the Council's Chiropodists. Ten women and 3 men in
attendance were in their 80's and 4 women and one man were in their 90's. One of the women was registered
blind. The majority of these elderly citizens attended unaccompanied even during the variations of our seasonal
weather. This underlines their stamina and courage—they were moulded in great character these youngsters
of yester year. Six of those who attended last year died, 2 men and 2 women were in their 80's and one
woman and one man were in their late 70's.
40 per cent of those attending during 1971 were living alone and a number of these were depressed.
Two out of every five in attendance had rheumatism in one form or another and this complaint rarely failed
to remind them of the long wintery months. A quarter had blood pressure.
This type of Clinic has a useful part to play in keeping the elderly active and contented. They can
discuss with the doctor and nurse in attendance their health and social problems and get advice about niggling
medical matters.