The postoperative convalescence and return to normal life were evaluated in 43 patients over 70 years of age who underwent total gastrectomy. In the aged, preoperative abnormal findings and postoperative complications were more frequent than in younger patients. The rate of death in aged patients experiencing postoperative complications was 25%. On the other hand, while postoperative convalescence and return to normal life were delayed in aged patients who had been curatively operated, the return to normal life was relatively good. Based on our results we suggest that total gastrectomy should not be ruled out in aged patients.