ABSTRACT: Aging process is related to important anatomical, physiological and psychosocial changes with a significant impact on the management of obstructive respiratory diseases (asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - COPD). Age-related changes are responsible for different efficiency of bronchodilator drugs on elderly patients compared to younger subjects. Moreover, physiological involution of organs and frequent comorbidities often interfere with the pharmacokinetics of bronchodilators used for asthma and COPD. This study will focus on the use of bronchodilator medication (beta 2-agonists, anticholinergics and methylxanthines) in elderly concerning therapeutic targets to be achieved and adverse effects. Use of bronchodilators, otherwise absolutely necessary for the treatment of obstructive pulmonary diseases, involves significant risk in geriatric patients, requiring careful monitoring of this population.