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96
However, after seriously considering the purchase of a sea-side
property in order that holiday accommodation would be available to the elderly throughout the whole year, the Council agreed
in principle that suitable properties should be viewed by a subcommittee.
Finally, as a result of much search and effort both
by members and officers, a choice was made and the Council
duly purchased a hotel at Westgate-on-Sea for the exclusive use
of Greenwich residents.
One of the problems of advancing years, apart from declining
physical and, less frequently, mental powers, is the temptation to
lapse into apathy and indifference. There is, in most of us, an
almost inborn resistance to change which seems to get more pronounced as we grow older but it has been found that, if old people
are encouraged to use their faculties to the upmost potential and
to get out and about to enjoy the occasional change of scene, the
physical and mental well-being is improved and the, as yet, irreversible processes of ageing are delayed. It is for these sound reasons
that the Health Committee feel that this additional recreational
amenity for old people will add yet another valuable service to
the many local facilities which already are available in the shape
of meals on wheels, luncheon clubs, home visiting, chiropody and
bathing, as well as many other miscellaneous provisions all directed at sustaining local citizens and giving a purpose, interest and
perhaps a happiness, to the later years.
It should be emphasised that this building is a hotel and not
a convalescent home and the intention is to provide a holiday and
recreation for the guests. The atmosphere, we hope, will be that
of cheefulness and of the holiday spirit. Nevertheless, although
most of the guests will be active, the needs of the frail are not
forgotten and provision is being made for those elderly citizens
burdened with the inevitable concomitants of old age who are for
the most part homebound. At the height of the season the ground
floor bedrooms will be reserved for their use and it is hoped that,
eventually, each party coming down from Greenwich to Westgate.
even in the depths of winter, will have a proportion of homebound
included so that they too can enjoy the leisure, the comfort and the
company, and can return home refreshed and encouraged.
If the success of this new service is commensurate with the
exertions and the enthusiasm which have gone into the initial preparations. the citizens of Greenwich shall have reason for satisfaction.