PENSIONERS in Glasgow's East End are to be offered a healthy option.

A pioneering scheme is being launched which will target the over 65s by encouraging them to adopt a healthier lifestyle in an attempt to boost their wellbeing.

The initiative is called, "A Healthier You" and is being launched in Bridgeton, Calton and Dalmarnock following a £38,000 cash injection from the Scottish Government as part of its "Reshaping Care For Older People" strategy.

The project will continue through to March next year and is being spearheaded by Thenue Housing.

It has already recruited a new staff member who will conduct a survey involving 420 elderly tenants across all three areas.

New recruit Emma Hodge will carry out one-to-one interviews either face-to-face with each pensioner or over the phone and use the confidential information to determine whether a healthier lifestyle should be recommended.

The key objectives is to help older people remain in their own home for as long as they want, to identify health and wellbeing needs and point pensioners to agencies and voluntary organisations which can help them as well as providing information about services which are available locally.

Other aims are to cut the number of preventable hospital admissions or visits to GPs and provide information or activities to combat feelings of loneliness or isolation.

Thenue's housing support manager Paola Doyle said: "This is an important initiative because it allows us to obtain a snapshot of the health and wellbeing needs of our older tenants and then work with others to establish how we can help.

"Wellbeing can mean different things to different people including physical health, emotional health or a combination of both.

"We have already set up a group of tenants willing to help us develop the project.

"We are sure it will be a success and illustrates how we are continuing to help communities where our tenants live."

The housing association will also work closely with the Royal Voluntary Service to deliver a range of information sessions to the wide community about nutrition as well as health and wellbeing related issues.