Daily activities and social contact were studied as influences on the life satisfaction of elderly people. It was considered that all activities might not be equal and that individuals who participate in more active activities and who have more active social contacts would score higher in life satisfaction than those who engage in inactive activities and who have fewer, less engaged social contacts. Data for a sub-sample of 1,835 men and women were extracted from a survey conducted for the National Council on Aging. Participants were aged 65 or older. Questions that related to daily activities and a life satisfaction scale were selected from the questionnaire. Independent t-tests indicated that individuals who engage in active versus inactive activities reported higher life satisfaction; however, any social contact contributed to reported life satisfaction. The findings can be used to educate the caretakers of the elderly and to design effective institutional programs. (Author/KC)