Older people are more worried about agism and discrimination than they are of being the victim of crime, according to a new study conducted in the UK.

Research among a group of people aged between 60 and 90 showed they felt the older generation were patronised or seen as a “burden” on society.

They also expressed a strong desire to remain active by working or volunteering, the report from thinktank Demos and Brunel University said.

One pensioner said: “I am sick of the portrayal of my age group by Government reports and news.”

Demos said the study of almost 100 people showed that pensioners welcomed the abolition of compulsory retirement but wanted flexibility in jobs.

Louise Bazalgette, one of the report’s authors said: “This is a generation of older people unlike any before.

“Not only are there more of them, but they will live longer than previous generations, they are healthier, are willing to work for longer and have more political and spending power.”