Emphysema in the elderly is a life-threatening condition. The pulmonary function of emphysema in the elderly is significantly reduced, the patient has significant wheezing symptoms, and the patient can have varying degrees of respiratory failure. For severe patients, pulmonary encephalopathy can occur, which is manifested as delirium, drowsiness, or even coma, at which time the patient’s breathing may be suppressed, leading to clinical death. In addition, in elderly patients with emphysema, pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary heart disease can also be associated with the formation of pulmonary heart disease. When elderly patients with emphysema are combined with other complications, especially severe pneumonia, pneumothorax and pulmonary embolism, their condition is dangerous and critical, which may lead to clinical death. Emphysema in the elderly should be treated actively to prevent and control its related complications and prolong the survival of patients.