During the last decade, life expectancy increased in western countries. Among the elderly, cardiovascular diseases are still the leading cause of death. In both genders, cardiovascular risk increases with age. The statistical correlation between total cholesterol level and mortality is less substantial with age, yet it still exists. Clinical studies have shown the clinical benefit of statin therapy, both in terms of cardio-vascular events and survival in the elderly population. The use of statins in elderly patients can currently be recommended for secondary prevention. In primary prevention, there are less available evidences of effectiveness, statin therapy can be conside-red according to the other risk factors and the life expectancy of the patients.