Objective To investigate the psychological?stress?and experience of elderly patients under the COVID-19 epidemic, and to provide reference for establishment of targeted interventions. Methods The phenomenological methodology was used in the study. An Semi-structure interview was conducted with 8 elderly patients with COVID-19, and the theme was extracted by Colaizzi’s 7-step analysis method. Results Four themes were extracted: emotional reaction of elderly patients after COVID-19 diagnosis, cognitive reaction of elderly patients after COVID-19 diagnosis, behavior reaction of elderly patients after COVID-19 diagnosis, and physiological reaction elderly patients after COVID-19 diagnosis. Conclusion There were multiple needs among elderly patients under the COVID-19 epidemic, and their reaction to psychological?stress?should be taken into consideration. Well-designed and individualized health education and psychological support should be provided by online and offline services, in order to relieve the anxiety level and enhance the confidence of elderly patients.