There are over 20,000 hospital admissions for pneumonia annually in Denmark. The incidence of pneumonia increases with age, functional impairment and co-morbidity. In fact, 60% of admissions occur among persons 65 years or older. The public health burden is expected to increase because this population in Denmark and elsewhere is growing and by 2015 it is estimated to have increased by 15%. The aetiology and empirical antimicrobial therapy is not affected by age per se, but aetiology is influenced by co-morbidity, particularly chronic lung disease. Prophylactic measures include immunization, smoking cessation, mobilization and oral hygiene.