View report page

56
OLD PEOPLE'S WELFARE
The lengthening of life resulting from improved living conditions and advances in medicine
together with the reduced sizes of modern families has meant that an increasing proportion of the
population are over retiring age. Whereas in 1921 only one in twenty was over 65, today one in
eight is in this age group. This has meant a gradual adj ustment of society, not only to meet
the problems which come with advancing years but also to ensure that those in this age group of
whom a large proportion are fully active and able citizens are able to continue to play their part
in the activities of the Borough. Fortunately in the present times of full employment many
continue in useful employment well beyond the age of 65 and providing the physical efforts are
not too arduous this is usually beneficial in keeping them active and healthy.
A time must come when help becomes necessary, whether this be from members of the
family, neighbours or by voluntary or statutory services. It is not possible to detail the work
that is done by relatives and friends but there is no doubt that they play a most important part
in the care of the aged. The following is a brief summary of services provided in Tottenham for
old people.
Old People s Welfare Committee
Chiropody Service
977 old people received treatment; 5,258 treatments were given, an increase of 1,078 on
last year.
Christmas 1959
1,500 parcels were packed and delivered by voluntary effort to the homes of the aged, sick
and housebound. Much assistance was given to the old people at Christmas by persons and
organisations in the Borough.
Club Dinners
9,740 meals were served to the old people at the St. Ann's and Lord Morrison Hall Clubs.
Holidays and Outings
70 old people were able to have two weeks' holiday through the help of the Women's
Holiday Fund; many people and organisations gave old people a day out. Many outings have
been arranged for the housebound due to the generosity of many voluntary organisations and
Messrs. Ardleys who gave the free use of a coach for a day.
Optical Service
41 housebound old people were visited by the Optician.
Shoe Repairs
3 dockets were issued to enable old people to get footwear repaired at a reduced rate.
Barber Service
66 old people in their homes, and 109 club members were visited by the Barber.
Harvest Festival
600 old people benefited by the kindness and generosity of schools and Churches who sent
their Harvest Festival Thanksgiving for distribution by the Committee.