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5
COUNTY BOROUGH OF CROYDON
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH
AND
PRINCIPAL SCHOOL MEDICAL OFFICER
FOR THE YEAR 1961
To the Chairman and Members of the Health Committee
ladies and gentlemen
This report for 1961 presents the usual figures relating to
the health of Croydon. Twelve months is a short period in such
a history. Abrupt changes from year to year are uncommon and
when they occur are most frequently the results of mishaps.
Fortunately last year continued the trend towards improvement
Statistics
The census figure showed the population had risen to well
over the quarter million. The corrected death rate was a little
higher, but 73% of those who died were over 65, and 51% were
over 75 years of age. In contrast 25 years ago the figures were
54% and 31%. An illustration that under present conditions we
have all a good chance of living to ripe old age. In the age
group 45 to 64 three quarters of the deaths were from coronary
thrombosis and cancer.
The infant mortality rate was the lowest ever recorded. As
measires of habits, rather than health, the illegitimate birth
rate remained high at just over 7% of all births, and attendances
at venereal diseases clinics exceeded last year's figures.