Peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis is the main cause of failure of peritoneal dialysis and death in elderly patients with end-stage renal disease. Compared with the young patients, the elderly patients with peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis have specific characteristics in general condition, common causes, diagnosis and treatment. Targeted interventions can effectively control the incidence, recurrence rate, and mortality of peritonitis. This article reviews the clinical characteristics and preventive strategies for peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis in the elderly with a view of providing theoretical reference for clinical practice.