Anemia in the elders is an important public health crisis which more attention should be paid to in the aging society. Anemia decreased physical performances, impaired cognitive functions, increased rates of hospitalization and mortality and affected quality of life. Causes of anemia in this population were complex as well as multiple. Chronic diseases maybe the most common reason of anemia in elders, but its mechanism was too complex; anemia caused by nutrition deficiency was clear and easily prevented and well treated. Improving nutrition status could benefit the reduction of anemia prevalence, and thus it was significant that the life quality of elderly persons could be improved and a healthy aging society could be promoted.