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The disadvantages have been pointed out previously, of having an
ever-ageing population to be provided for by insurance and pensions by
an ever-diminishing youthful labour force. The problem of the care of the
aged still occupies a great deal of attention, both in Parliament and
amongst authorities charged with the responsibility of making provision
for geriatric care. With the continued shortage of hospital beds, it is more
than ever necessary to try and keep old people active and happy in their
own homes. One of the most useful ways in which this can be accomplished
is by expansion of the home help service, and also by voluntary
organisations, old people's welfare committees, old people's clubs, and
other social efforts to fill the lonely lives of the aged.
During the year, the services of the Wallington Old People's Welfare
Committee, under the chairmanship of Councillor Mrs. V. M. Boyce,
have continued to render invaluable service, which has been markedly
appreciated by the old people of the district. The work of the W.V.S., too,
in this sphere, under the able guidance of Mrs. O. L. Wiles, was very much
appreciated.
It is inevitable that, with the ever-growing problem of the care of the
aged, expansion of all these activities will be called for.
On page 37, the table dealing with infectious diseases shows that the
total incidence of infectious diseases, at 333, represents a fall as compared
with the previous year, in which 448 cases were notified. This fall in
incidence is reflected in all the major infectious diseases.
It will also be noted that a combined immunising material against
diphtheria and whooping-cough is being brought into regular use, now
that the efficacy of whooping-cough vaccine has been considerably improved.
During the year, whooping-cough was not prevalent in a very severe
form. The number of cases was not high, and those children affected
showed symptoms of a very mild character.
While measles did not reach epidemic proportions, and the notifications
were considerably lower than in the previous year, this disease still
constitutes one of the major threats in childhood. No deaths, however,
were recorded from measles, and only two cases were removed to hospital
for nursing.
As in 1951, it is gratifying to note that during the year no cases of
anterior poliomyelitis were notified. This dread disease still continues to
cause anxiety to parents through the summer months.
Since the war, the general incidence of this disease continues to show,
not only a rise, but a higher incidence among older persons, the disease no
longer being confined to the young. A great deal of research is being
carried out in many parts of the world, and the truly infectious nature of
the disease is now generally accepted. As a result, isolation, and the supervision
of contacts will be undertaken more thoroughly than in the past.
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