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7
VITAL STATISTICS
The population of the Borough of Lambeth at the mid year 1954
has been estimated by the Registrar-General to be 226,200 which
is 2,800 less than the estimated population in 1953. The natural
increase by births over deaths was 1,386.
The following table shows the actual numbers and the
percentages of deaths in various age groups from which it will
be observed that 67.32% of all deaths occurred among those aged
65 years and older. Much is being done to help these elderly
people from becoming a burden upon others as well as often a
burden to themselves. Steps are being taken which it is much to
be hoped will lead to the Metropolitan Borough Councils being
responsible statutorily and directly for care which now is limited
to financial assistance to voluntary organisations. Infantile
mortality has been reduced by a better knowledge of the nursing
and feeding requirements of mothers and babies but the problem
with the elderly is not the same, children eat what they are given
and their day works to a time table. Adults eat and drink what
they choose and as much or little as they want or can obtain.
They suit their day and mode of life to their own time table with
the result that most elderly people suffer later on for their lack
of care for themselves in the past.
All agesI
0-1
1-5
5-15
15-25
25-45
45-65 I
65-75
75 & over
2298 86 10 4 14 90 547 668 879
100% 3.74 0.44 0.17 0.61 3.92 23.80 29.07 38.25
The principal causes of death were heart disease 687 (717)
or 29.89 per cent. (29.78) of the total deaths, cancer 445 (426)
or 19.3 6 per cent (17. 69), andinfluenza, bronchitis and pneumonia,
three causes of death largely dependent upon the weather, were
the cause of 290 (409) deaths or 12.62 (16.99) per cent.
During the year the number of live births corrected by inward
or outward transfers was 3,684, giving a corrected birth rate of
16.29 compared with 15.93 in 1953, an increase of 0.36 per 1,000
population. These rates have not been adjusted.
Deaths from tuberculosis of the lungs continue to fall with
better knowledge of treatment but much less improvement is
noticeable in the incidence. The number of deaths in 1948,six
years ago was 135 and new cases 369; the corresponding numbers
for 1954 were 41 and 369 new cases. The disease is attacking as
many as ever. It is often forgotten that it is infectious and
that overcrowding due to Inadequate housing is a potent cause of
spread.