Dermatomyositis (DM) is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy characterized by prominent skin lesions, muscle weakness, and clinically heterogeneous systemic manifestations. Among patients with DM, the male-to-female ratio is 2:1. Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is most prevalent between the ages of 4 and 14 years, while adult-onset dermatomyositis typically occurs between the ages of 40 and 60 years. In a population-based study conducted in Olmsted County, Minnesota, USA, the risk of DM was found to increase with age across different age groups stratified by decade. The incidence rate of DM in individuals aged ≥ 80 years was 3.2 per 100,000 person-years. Dermatomyositis in elderly patients is characterized by unique clinical manifestations, pathogenic mechanisms, and therapeutic approaches. However, discussions regarding geriatric dermatomyositis are currently limited. Therefore, this article aims to review the epidemiology, clinical features, histopathology, and pathogenesis of dermatomyositis, with a particular focus on the unique clinical characteristics of geriatric dermatomyositis.