Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation(AF) in elderly patients. Methods A cohort of 85 consecutive patients undergoing initial ablation procedure for drug-refractory AF was included in this study. Patients were divided into elderly group (≥60 years, 45 cases) and non-elderly group (＜60 years, 40 cases). All patients received circumferential pulmonary vein isolation procedure successfully. Recurrence of AF was observed. Results During (37.2±3.2) months follow-up, 23 cases(27.1%) had AF recurrence. No significant difference was found between elderly and non-elderly groups (12/45 vs 11/40, P = 0.931). No patient developed severe ablation-related complication. Conclusion Catheter ablation is an effective and safe treatment for paroxysmal AF in non-elderly patients, as well as in elderly patients.