In the early epidemic of COVID-19 in Wuhan, the proportion of elderly patients over 60 years was significantly higher than that of other populations. However, with the implementation of strong social control measures, the proportion of which dropped rapidly to the same level as that of middle-aged patients (40-59), which indicated that the elders’ social behavioural pattern may have some connections with the infection. A retrospective study was carried out to investigate the behavioural patterns of different age groups before the social distance control in Wuhan, to find out the relationship between them and the infection under the nature state, and furthermore, to put forward targeted suggestions to enhance the resistance of the elderly to public health emergencies. To carry out the research, social survey, one-way ANOVA and logistic regression models were utilized. The results showed that the elderly had more social activities, more offline shopping, more travels by semi-public transportation, and the factors below had significant impacts on the infection (P<0.05): the level of indoor entertainment, the frequency of going to convenience stores or markets, the frequency of walking, and the level of protection. Besides, suggestions were proposed, including controlling the social distance of the elderly, developing senior-friendly shopping platforms, advocating tailored car travel, etc. This study could provide data and theoretical support for government's regulatory actions, enrich epidemiological theories of transmission routes based on behaviour, and improve the adaptability of the elderly to public health emergencies.