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their neighbours. There are, too, the females who will not admit
to themselves that they are 60, and would certainly not let other
people know. A few of both sexes refuse information altogether.
Apart from these difficulties, there is no reason why, ultimately,
the survey should not produce realistic figures on which the Committee
can plan for the future.
Table II —Mobility
The importance of mobility cannot be over-emphasized and
there is no doubt that the many and varied social activities arranged
for the elderly in Bermondsey by voluntary clubs and otherwise
does much to encourage them to be "out and about". In the Municipal
Club members are often heard to say "I wasn't coming out
to-day but I didn't want to miss the whist drive, Old Time Dancing
Class (or some other activity)". The Workrooms have done a
great deal to keep many old people mobile who would almost
certainly have hibernated and in a very short-time become bedbound,
which is inevitably followed by hospitalisation.

The house-bound and bed-bound categories, although small
in number, demand a considerable amount of attention and it is
essential continually to ensure that the services necessary in many
cases; nursing, home help, meals service, incontinent laundry service,
library service and others, function satisfactorily.
Table III—Isolation
The problem of the elderly who live alone is one which calls
for priority in our work. This class often feel that they are no
longer wanted and lose interest in their homes and personal cleanliness,
and cease to prepare proper food for themselves. They are
often unaware of their deterioration and it is difficult in some cases
to bring it to their notice. Others are aware and try to hide behind
closed doors. Both types need very careful handling and constant
visiting so that their personal confidence can be regained. Here,
too, the clubs are a great blessing.
B