Abstract:In elderly people, the thyroid shows distinct alteration in histology, biochemistry and function. With age increasing, the serum levels of thyroid hormones display aging related changes. Serum levels of T3 and T4 are decreased with aging, which is significant for T3, while mild or even no change for T4. But serum level of rT3 is significantly increased with aging, and thyroid-stimulation hormone is faintly elevated. For the patients with thyroid dysfunction, they have a high detection of hypothyroidism when people grow older. But the detection rate of hyperthyroidism has no age difference. For the patients with subclinical thyroid dysfunction, individual treatment should be carried out in combination with the incidences of relative complications. Besides, the prevalence of thyroid nodules is of extremely high incidence by ultrasonography in elderly people, and becomes even higher with the increase of aging. The incidence of thyroid nodule (especially multiple nodules and larger nodule) is increased with age, and solid nodules are the most common form. For ultrasonography-identified calcification, comprehensive analysis should be performed in combination with other features in ultrasonographic image, so as to make a definite diagnosis of the nature of nodules. Attention should be paid to the prevention and treatment of thyroid disorders in elderly people. In order to diagnose and treat as early as possible, ultrasonography of thyroid and evaluation of thyroid function should be carried out in general physical examination.