Objective：This study aims to analyze the real-world data regarding the effect of catheter ablation and the factors related to recurrence after ablation in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation. Methods：Elderly patients（≥60 years old）with atrial fibrillation receiving catheter ablation from January 2013 to December 2016 in our center were enrolled in this study. Clinical data were collected to confirm efficacy，safety，and recurrence-related factors of atrial fibrillation. Results：A total of 482 patients were eligible and the mean age of them was （66.5±4.7） years old. The study group included 297 males（61.6%）and 185 females（38.4%）. There were 239（49.6%）patients diagnosed with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation，and the remains were persistent atrial fibrillation. There were 4 cases of perioperative complication and all of them were relevant to the venipuncture. The mean follow-up was （20.4±5.6） months. During the follow up，a total of 104（21.6%）patients experienced recurrence. The recurrent group and non-recurrent group were significantly different in left atrial diameter，diabetes，heart failure and CHA2DS2-VASc score（P < 0.05）. There were no significant differences in age，gender，hypertension and other factors between the two groups. Conclusion：Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation is safe and effective in elderly patients. Enlarged left atrium，and some comorbidities may be associated with recurrence of atrial fibrillation.