Despite WHO statements that tuberculosis is a global threat, and despite the implementation of strong TB control initiatives, this highly contagious disease continues to affect all vulnerable populations, including the elderly (age ≥ 65 years). Tuberculosis in the elderly remains a clinical and epidemiological challenge. Atypical clinical manifestations of tuberculosis in the elderly may lead to delays in diagnosis and initiation of treatment; thus, unfortunately, higher rates of morbidity and mortality can occur from this treatable infection. Great care should be taken to monitor the use of ATL therapy because of the increased risk of possible side effects in the elderly population. Underlying diseases, decreased immune function due to age, increased incidence of side effects, and institutionalization may complicate overall clinical access to tuberculosis in elderly patients; maintaining a high index of tuberculosis suspicion in this vulnerable population is therefore undoubtedly justified. This review concludes with a history of tuberculosis and epidemiology of tuberculosis in the world and in Croatia. The most common forms of pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis in the elderly are listed and the development and course of the disease are described. Further, the pathophysiology is described, risk factors are listed, the clinical picture is described and complications of lung tuberculosis are listed. Diagnostic tests and methods, as well as therapy and therapeutic difficulties and side effects of tuberculosis-specific drugs in the elderly population are also listed. The role of the nurse in the education of patients is described and the importance of implementing preventive measures at all levels of health care is emphasized.