Abstract
Some statistics are given of the increases that have occurred in the proportion of elderly persons in the population in this and other countries, and some views are expressed as to reasons why associated problems have become intensified. The call to seek solutions and put them into practice is not only on social and ethical grounds, but also to form a model for other countries to copy. It is stressed that these problems are essentially the concern of public health and deserve more attention than they have yet received.
Senility is declared to be a preventable condition, being dependent on disease or disuse of faculties superimposed on the uncontrollable processes of aging. The claim is made that physical and mental exercise is a physiological need, but that many do not have the opportunity or incentive to take it otherwise than in employment. This must be to an extent described as beneficial capacity, which is constantly diminishing.
A pioneer scheme for providing part-time remunerative employment for the elderly in Finsbury is briefly described and its success is submitted as evidence of the conclusions reached.
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