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8
VITAL STATISTICS
The population of the Borough of Lambeth at the mid year
1955 has been estimated by the Registrar-General to be 224,200
which is 2,000 less than the estimated population in 1954. The
natural increase by births over deaths was 1, 212.
The following table shows the actual numbers and the
percentages of deaths in various age groups from which it will
be observed that 66.83% 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. A local authority has, at present, no power
to provide services for the aged. It can only financially assist
voluntary organisations who carry out the work. Infantile mortality
has been reduced by a better knowledge of the nursing and feeding
requirements of mothers and babies but the problem with the elderlj
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 ages 0- 1 1-5 5- 15 15-25 25-45 45-65 65-75 75 & over
2385 74 9 16 16 91 585 588 1006
100% 3 10 0.36 0.67 0.67 13,. 82 24.53 24.65 42.18
The principal causes of death were heart disease 668 (687)
or 28.01 per cent (29.89) of the total deaths, cancer 464 (445)
or 19. 45 per cent. (19.36), and influenza, bronchitis and pneumoni a,
three causes of death largely dependent upon the weather, were the
cause of 3 55 ( 290) deaths or 14.88 ( 12.62) per cent.
During the year the number of live births corrected by inward
or outward transfers was 3. 597. giving a corrected birth rate of
16.04 compared with 16.29 in 1954, a decrease of 0,25 per 1,000
population.
Deaths from tuberculosis of the lungs continue to fall with
betta knowledge of treatment. The number of deaths from all forms
of tuberculosis in 1948, seven years ago was 135 and new cases
369; the corresponding numbers for 1955 were 36 and 253 new cases
It is often forgotten that it is infectious and that overcrowding
due to inadequate housing is a potent cause of spread.