IMPROVED housing and better transport links are being pushed forward as plans to make Glasgow an age friendly city.

The proposals would also see elderly people benefit from plans to help bridge the gap with younger people.

At a meeting tomorrow the Glasgow City Council's executive committee will decide whether the city will make the changes necessary to gain the accolade form the World Health Organisation.

The city is following in the footsteps of Manchester which was granted the title at the end of last year.

The proposal, which could take up to three years to complete, would see changes to address the needs of Glasgow's 83,000 pensioners.

The proposal would include improving the availability of local transport and care services.

Glasgow's elderly would also benefit from plans to help them become more involved in society by bridging the gap between the over 65's and youngsters across the city.

The scheme would give older people the opportunity to volunteer and join mentoring programmes to help disadvantaged young people prepare to leave school.

There is also the possibility that the proposal would increase the supply of physically accessible housing for people who suffer from problems such as sight loss or dementia.

In addition to this the council would address concerns regarding environmental issues, such as litter and anti-social behaviour.

If approved, Glasgow would be eligible to apply for the programme as early as next month, however, it is expected that public consultation on the Age Friendly City's framework would not take place until the spring.

The city council has stated that the elderly who attended its November engagement session to discuss the proposal where "supportive of the ambition" of Glasgow's bid to become an Age Friendly City.

Those who attended the session also stated they believed an age friendly city would be "inclusive and accessible, with an attractive and welcoming social and urban environment for older citizens".

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: "The proposal is about trying to set standards for the city and fulfilling the needs of older people.

"It would make sure that measures are put in place that would help maximise the opportunities that older people have living in Glasgow."

Glasgow, which will follow in the footsteps of Manchester if its application is approved, could help lead the way for Scottish cities to join the programme.

A change which charity Age Scotland believes cannot come soon enough.

A spokesman for the charity said: "All communities in Scotland should be aspiring to be accessible, friendly, and welcoming places for people of all ages.

"We're very pleased to see that Glasgow may apply for WHO accreditation as an 'Age Friendly City.'

"It is incredibly important for older people to live in areas which support healthy active ageing and keep people engaged with their community so they don't become lonely and isolated as they get older."