London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Bermondsey 1959
Annual report of the Medical Officer of Health for the year 1959
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(20)
Male Female
Total Living alone Total Living alone
Age Home Help & Home Help Home Help & Home Help
70—74 18 10 55 31
75—79 33 15 103 69
80+ 48 24 163 110
99 49 321 210
(½ of total) (2/3 of total)
The percentage of men using the Meals on Wheels Service is
proportionately higher than women. This, of course, can be expected;
men who are living alone obviously require more attention
than do women. The figures show clearly the increasing demands
made by the old of both sexes as age advances. Further study of
the comparative figures in each age group showing the extent to
which the Home Help Service is utilised also substantiates the
impression gained by field workers that those living alone are most
in need of help.
Table V—Disability Distribution
| MALES | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age | ||||||
| 50—59 | 60—64 | 65—69 | 70—74 | 75—79 | 80 & over | |
| Total number in age group | 16 | 28 | 111 | 172 | 184 | 149 |
| Gastro Intestinal Tract | – | 2 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 7 |
| Respiratory System | 2 | 5 | 20 | 23 | 20 | 12 |
| Cardio Vascular System | 2 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 4 |
| Locomotion | 2 | 1 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 7 |
| Blind | 1 | 1 | – | 4 | 3 | 7 |
| Deaf | – | – | 2 | 1 | 3 | 6 |
| Blind and Deaf | – | – | – | 1 | – | – |
| FEMALES | ||||||
| Age | ||||||
| 50—59 | 60—64 | 65—69 | 70—74 | 75—79 | 80 & over | |
| Total number in age group | 27 | 116 | 317 | 449 | 415 | 396 |
| Gastro Intestinal Tract | 1 | – | 5 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| Respiratory System | 1 | 9 | 21 | 24 | 18 | 20 |
| Cardio Vascular System | 1 | 3 | 8 | 26 | 18 | 25 |
| Locomotion | 4 | 7 | 12 | 22 | 26 | 28 |
| Blind | 2 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 9 |
| Deaf | – | 1 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 5 |
In a few cases there was more than one handicap.