Physical resilience (PR) in the elderly refers to the physical ability to resist or recover after exposure to adverse stressors, reflecting the body′s reserve capacity. It is currently a much sought topic in geriatrics. PR levels vary greatly among individuals, and high-level individuals have ideal defense or recovery outcomes when exposed to stressors, which leads to lower risks of disability, shorter hospitalization and lower all-cause mortality, and thereby longer lifespan. At present, the mechanisms affecting PR levels remain unclear. Therefore, this article elaborates on the evaluation tools, physiological mechanisms, influencing factors, and serum markers of PR by searching for the keyword "Physical Resilience" in the "Pubmed" database, in order to help clinicians better understand PR and enhance healthy aging.