Objective: To explore the effect of family-centered empowerment model (FCEM) intervention on self-management ability and quality of life of elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: A total of 100 elderly patients with COPD admitted to Bozhou People’s Hospital of Anhui from January 2018 to December 2020 were selected and randomly divided into the control group and the observation group according to the random number table method, with 50 cases in each group. The control group was given routine intervention, and the observation group was given FCEM intervention. The scores of Self-Management Scale for Chinese Patients with COPD, COPD Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES) and St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) were compared between the two groups before and after intervention. Results: The scores of symptom management, emotional management, information management, daily life management and self-efficacy in the Self-Management Scale for Chinese Patients with COPD in the observation group after intervention were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). After intervention, the scores of emotional coping, dyspnea management, physical activity, environment and weather, and safety behavior in CSES in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). After intervention, the scores of respiratory symptoms, limited activity and disease influence in SGRQ in the two observation groups were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: FCEM intervention can significantly improve the self-management ability and self-efficacy level of elderly patients with COPD, and improve their quality of life.