Whether a 70-year-old emphysema patient can live for 20 years is mainly determined by the severity of the disease, and the survival time of the severe cases may range from a few days to a few years; however, if the disease is mild and the physical condition is good, it is also possible to survive for 20 years. 1. Severe disease: 70-year-old emphysema patients with severe disease with acute infection or respiratory failure, or poor physical condition of the existence of coronary heart disease and other underlying diseases, the survival time is generally shorter, can be a few days to a few years. 2. Mild disease: When the disease is mild, without other complications such as respiratory failure, and in good physical condition, without other systemic diseases, the survival time may be up to 20 years. Emphysema should be diagnosed and treated in a timely manner to avoid delays and serious consequences such as respiratory failure.