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8
Vital Statistics
The population of the Borough of Lambeth for the year 1949
has been estimated by the Registrar General to be 229,400, which
is greater by 2,800 than the official estimated population of 1948.
The following table shows both actual numbers and the
percentages of total deaths in the various age groups. It is of
interest to note that the number of deaths in the age period 65
and over was more than 63 per cent. of the total deaths. The
prolongation of life brings into greater prominence the difficulties
facing old people who have lost their near at hand relatives and
friends and are all alone in the world. Their numbers are still
increasing year by year and their problems likewise.
The plight of the aged who are sick makes sad reading. Old
age is the prospect which faces us all but under present conditions
the outlook for old people is. bleak and comfortless. Before the
appointed day, the 5th July, 1948, the relieving officers of the
Public Assistance authority were able to precept hospital beds for
those incapable of receiving adequate medical attention at home.
The district medical officer was available in their homes and he
and the relieving officer were often their best friends. After the
appointed day, in the general scramble to get ahead of others, the
aged sick were thrust aside. Often they had no family doctor and
nobody wanted to accept them on a panel. Hospital beds are
naturally wanted for acute cases and their only hope now is to
join the waiting list for admission which means in so many cases
waiting for death to release a bed and often dying before the bed
becomes empty. The best chance for the old in the present
circumstances would seem to be to remain at work and active
despite every incapacitating ill which fortune can deal and to go
on " in harness " until death overtakes them.
The 23 Clubs run by the Lambeth Old People's Welfare Association
have made a wonderful difference to the life and interest of
many old people, but so much remains to be done.
The principal causes of death were heart disease which claimed
817 or 29.86 per cent. of the total deaths, and cancer 473 or 17.29
per cent., and influenza, bronchitis and pneumonia 366 or 13.38
per cent.