Objective To discuss the clinical characteristics and surgical treatment for gastric cancer in the elderly. MethodsRelated literatures were reviewed to summarize the characteristics of elderly patients with gastric cancer, thus to evaluate the feasibility and strategy of surgical treatment for elderly patients with gastric cancer. Results Elderly gastric cancer patients often had one or more comorbidities, but most patients could accept gastrectomy and had a good prognosis. Conclusions Age is not the contraindication for surgery. Dealing with comorbidities in elderly patients, preventing the complications and performing the appropriate surgical method can result in a good therapeutic effect.