Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the stroke risk factors between middle-aged and elderly people. Methods: The study used a retrospective and descriptive design with secondary data analysis. Data were abstracted from 450 medical records of stroke patients admitted a university hospital between July 1, 2005 and December 31, 2015. Results: The lifestyle risk factors for middle-aged stroke patients were smoking, alcohol, obesity, and lack of health examinations with follow-up care. The clinical risk factors for middle-aged stroke patients were high levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The stroke triggers for ischemic stroke were uric acid for middle-aged patients and CRP for elders. Ischemic stroke among elders frequently occurred during periods of high daily temperatures. Conclusion: Findings indicate that for elderly patients, it is important to manage chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and atrial fibrillation to prevent stroke. There are also sociocultural needs that are important to maintaining healthy life for these patients and should be addressed through targeted information. These study findings should be considered when developing prevention programs for Koreans at risk for stroke.