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Arteriosclerosis (63 deaths) is the second big cause of death in
this group. This is a thickening, and diminution in the elasticity,
of the walls of the arteries and is an expression either of prolonged
stress or unwise living. Cerebral Haemorrhage, which caused,
incidentally, 1-58 deaths, is one of the sequelae of Arterio-sclerosis,
combined with excessive blood pressure. Arterio-sclerosis and
Cerebral Haemorrhage between them caused 221 deaths.
Influenza was the most fatal infectious disease; the majority
of deaths occurring over 65 years of age. Diphtheria came second
and Measles third. Excluding Influenza the infectious diseases ;~a
group were not a prominent cause of death.
POPULATION.
Explanation of Graphs.
The estimated population is shown by a continuous black line
from 1860 onwards, the letter C denoting a census year. In 1860
Croydon's population was a little over 30,000; in 1931 the census
showed it to have risen to 233,115, whilst for 1933 the estimated
population is 239,950. The growth of Croydon has been rapid
and continuous; even during the war years the increase was not
arrested, whilst since the war its growth has been accelerated.
Such an increase of population gives rise to peculiar health problems,
not the least of which is the inhabitants do not always
appreciate that within a space of 60 years their town has grown
from a village to one of the great and important towns of England.
With the extension of civil aviation, Croydon's importance is likely
to become greater each year. The trend of industrialism to the
south and the relatively low rates are also exerting an influence.