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In spite of these rather gloomy comments it must be borne in
mind that it is only because so many other major causes of death
have been eradicated and also that more money is available to spend
on cigarettes and a great variety of confectionery that these diseases
of the older age groups are rising in importance.
With each decade not only are many more infants living to
reach their second year, but this second year seems almost like a
spring-board to give them a flying start in life so that the loss of
life up to the age of 45 is almost negligible. On the basis of the
1962 statistics, of 947 live births 933 babies would survive to reach
their second year. In Southgate's total child population from the
age of 1 year to 15 years, the total deaths were 5, and between
the ages of 15 and 45 they totalled 17.
Immunisation has played a very large part in this success story
but it requires constant vigilance to ensure that it continues at its
present high level. Diphtheria and poliomyelitis are still diseases
that could return again as a cause of death and crippling.
Infant Mortality
Of the 14 infant deaths recorded for Southgate in 1962, 11
did not survive beyond one month. Nine died in the first week
and 7 infants died on the first day. These very early deaths are the
hardest of all to prevent.
Still Births
Nine still births, all legitimate, were accredited to the Borough
for 1962. This is equal to a death rate of 9.4 live and still births,
the corresponding figures for 1961 being 11 still births and a rate
of 11.6.
Maternal Mortality
One maternal death was reported during 1962.
Mortality of Persons over the age of 65
Seven hundred and thirty-four deaths, or 74.76 of the total
deaths during the year, occurred in persons over the age of 65
years. Of these, 277 died between the ages of 80 and 90, while a
further 36 females and 7 males were over the latter age, the oldest
being 97.
Following the trend of recent years, diseases of the heart and
circulation were responsible for more deaths in this age group than
any other cause.
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