How many years can a 65-year-old live with emphysema cannot be generalized, but needs to be considered comprehensively according to the patient’s condition, treatment and individual’s physical fitness. Overall, through active and standardized treatment, it helps to prolong the patient’s life. Emphysema is a chronic lung disease due to decreased elasticity of the air spaces at the distal end of the terminal fine bronchioles, followed by dilatation and destruction of alveoli and fine bronchioles. Patients may present with symptoms such as progressively deepening dyspnea. The exact number of years a 65-year-old emphysema patient can live varies individually. Overall, the better the lung function, the absence of other underlying diseases, and active cooperation with the doctor’s treatment, the life expectancy is usually more ideal. If the patient can not follow the doctor’s instructions for treatment, or the underlying condition is relatively poor, in this case the patient may soon enter respiratory failure, heart failure, and even life-threatening. 65-year-old emphysema patients should pay attention to the prevention of infection on a daily basis and avoid repeated infections, so as not to accelerate the progression of the disease. Maintaining an optimistic mindset, adhering to a healthy lifestyle, and following the doctor’s instructions for standardized treatment are helpful in prolonging life and improving quality of life.