HOW TO tackle isolation and loneliness in Oxford's elderly population will be discussed by councillors tomorrow.

Members of Oxford City Council's Scrutiny Committee will look at a report by acting communities manager Dave Growcott about what is already being done in the city and what more needs to happen to solve the growing problem.

According to Age UK, 10 per cent of those aged 65 and over in the UK say they are always or often lonely.

Though Oxford has a lower percentage of elderly people than the national average due to its large student population the report states the authority seeks to support the various groups helping those over 65.

Mr Growcott highlighted the Dance for Parkinson’s sessions for sufferers and their carers, as well as schemes like Nordic walking which used poles to aid the activity, making it more accessible for older people.

He added in the future more needed to be done to understand and help the full diversity of elderly Oxford residents, pointing to the 2011 census which revealed there were 36,739 people aged over 50 living in the city and 29 per cent identified as other than white British.

He concluded: "Oxford City Council’s role will continue to be a preventative one, keeping people active, happy and healthy.

"We will continue to support the community and voluntary sector by working with them to provide high quality activities to combat isolation."

The meeting will take place at 6pm St Aldate's Room, Town Hall.

The full report is available via the city council website.