A new review by the Law Commission will consider whether ageism should be treated as a hate crime.

The document will consider if additional ‘protected characteristics’ like age should be attributed to hate crime legislation.

Currently, hate crimes are defined as those viewed to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on personal characteristics.

Sajid Javid, home secretary, said: “Hate crime goes directly against the long-standing British values of unity, tolerance and mutual respect – and I am committed to stamping this sickening behaviour out.

“Our refreshed action plan set out how we will tackle the root causes of prejudice.”

There are on average one million victims of elder abuse every year in the UK including physical, mental, financial, sexual or neglect, according to The Action on Elder Abuse charity.

However, official figures stay approximately only 0.3% result in criminal convictions occurring.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “A review of hate crime legislation must make abuse of older people an aggravated offence in law.”

The charity’s chief executive, Gary FitzGerald said it is time to give older victims of crime the same protections as other groups victimised for their personal characteristics.

The government’s action plan on hate crimes was announced during Hate Crime Awareness Week.

Mr FitzGerald said: “We welcome today’s announcement that a review into hate crime legislation will consider the need for elder abuse to become an aggravated offence. Frankly, such a step is long overdue.”