Purpose To investigate the normal values of the sagittal spinal parameters and analyze the distribution of the global spinal profiles in a Chinese population with age over 75. Methods Two hundred and twelve sets of the whole spine lateral radiographs were obtained from a database of an asymptomatic elderly population. Global and regional spinal parameters were measured. Sagittal profiles were determined according to the Roussouly classification compared with previous studies involving different populations. Results A total of 102 elderly subjects (>= 75 years) were enrolled with an average age of 79.24 +/- 3.53 years. The mean values of the spinopelvic parameters were 42.89 +/- 11.64 degrees for TK, 13.84 +/- 10.78 degrees for TLK, 44.48 +/- 12.88 degrees for LL, 44.76 +/- 9.84 degrees for PI, 17.19 +/- 8.08 degrees for PT, 28.35 +/- 7.94 degrees for SS, 3.47 +/- 3.56 cm for SVA, 14.75 +/- 7.85 degrees for TPA, -0.27 +/- 11.95 degrees for PI-LL, respectively. Subjects >= 75 years were found to have significantly smaller LL and SS, but greater TLK, PT, SVA, TPA, and PI-LL than those 60-74 years (p < 0.05). Significant age- and sex-dependent differences were found in the Roussouly classification's distribution between the two subgroups. Conclusions The normal values of the sagittal parameters were presented in the elderly Chinese asymptomatic population (>= 75 years). Ethnic, age, and sex displayed significant effects on the behaviors of the sagittal spinal balance and profiles. These results could be served as physiological references for the planning of surgical strategies in elderly Chinese patients over 75 years.