Objective To improve the lung function and exercise capacity for elderly patients with pneumoconiosis. Methods A total of 83 elderly patients with pneumoconiosis were divided into an experimental group （n=41） and a control group （n=42）using a random number table.The control group accepted routine care and rehabilitation training, while the experimental group additionally received 12 weeks of breathing exercise combined with acupoint massage.Before and after the intervention, the lung function indexes and six-minute walking distance （6MWD） were assessed for the two groups. Results After the intervention, the 6MWD and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) were significantly further and larger than those of the control group (P＜0.05，P＜0.01). Conclusion Breathing exercise combined with acupoint massage can improve the lung ventilation function and exercise capacity for elderly patients with pneumoconiosis, and it is beneficial to delay the progression of pneumoconiosis and promote the recovery of the body.