London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Greenwich 1971

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Greenwich Borough]

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47
viz. 217,790, is made up of 105,519 males and 112,271 females,
giving a sex ratio of 1,064 females per 1,000 males.
Ratios for Greater London and England and Wales are 1,082
and 1,058 respectively.
(b) Age Composition—It has been expedient from time to time
to make analyses of the population figures with particular regard
to age distribution in relation to whooping cough, diphtheria, poliomyelitis,
measles and B.C.G. prophylaxis and, now of major
importance, the problem of the aged.
In line with the general trend throughout the country, Greenwich
has an ageing population and the number of persons outside the
normal working range is still increasing. It is estimated that, of
the Borough's male residents, 10.5% are over the age of 65 years
and women in the same age group form 15.9% of the female
population; together they account for 13.3% of the total population.
If to these figures are added those women over 60 years of
age, then the proportion of retirement persons rises to 16.5%

ESTIMATED AGE COMPOSITION OF THE POPULATION

AgeNo.Approx. % of Total Population
As estimated by The Registrar-General:Under 1 year3,1101.4
1 to 4 years (inclusive)12,0905.6
5 to 14 years (inclusive)33,90015.5
Total Child Population under 15 years49,10022.5
Estimated locally:15 to 64 years (inclusive)139,69064.2
65 years and over29,00013.3
Total Population217,790100.0

From details given in the accompanying table it will be seen that
the "working" population of Greenwich, i.e. those between 15 and
65 years amounts to approximately 64% and that of "dependent"
groups collectively, to 36%. In effect, this means that for every
two persons of "working age" there is one dependent person
outside this group. If account also be taken of women over 60
years and of those persons over 15 years still in receipt of fulltime
education including those attending special schools, then the