“It must not be tolerated, either by older people or those responsible for their care.

“Ageism and patchy services mean that all too often, older people are left in harmful, ­unnecessary and sometimes excruciating pain.

“Pain is exhausting. It undermines dignity, changes personality and drastically reduces quality of life. It is also likely to be under-reported.

“With millions of older people living in pain, it is imperative that the Department of Health, regulatory bodies, the NHS and social care agencies all work together to ensure that pain is ­managed.

“The first step is ensuring that healthcare providers are monitored and assessed on how well they manage pain in patients.

“If older people using health and social care services are to be treated with dignity, then pain must be addressed.”

Help the Aged is now recommending that health and social care authorities establish pain management programmes to teach elderly people how best to cope with pain and how to live a more active life.

A Department of Health spokeswoman said: “Older people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect in all care settings.

“That is why the Government is bringing forward the Equality Bill that includes a commitment to end unfair age discrimination within the NHS.

“Primary care trusts are responsible for effectively meeting the healthcare needs of their local population – and this includes older people in pain or discomfort.

“Earlier this year, we announced the launch of a major research project that will ­examine the experience of older people and those caring for them. “This will include those in care homes and those in NHS settings.”