Introduction:
The areas of social functioning of the elderly are influenced by a number of factors, such as changes in health status, occupational activity or retirement, economic status, stressful experiences, shrinking of interpersonal relations, loss of social position, balance of life achievements, level of physical effort, and degree of involvement in life affairs. The process of ageing may be accelerated by diseases which may disturb functional fitness and lead to permanent disability.

Objective:
The objective of the presented study was analysis of social functioning of elderly disabled patients hospitalized in a rehabilitation department from the aspect of performing basic and complex life functions, moving around, involvement in the life of the local community, and leisure activities.

Material and methods:
The research covered a group of 122 disabled aged > 65, hospitalized due to cerebral stroke (68.9%) or prosthesoplasty of a joint (31.1%). The study was carried out using a self-designed questionnaire

Conclusions:
1. Social functioning of the respondents was largely limited with respect to performing complex life functions, locomotor abilities, use of public transport, as well as social activity and spending free time. 2. It was found that patients who had undergone cerebral stroke were less self-reliant than those after prosthesoplasty of a joint. 3. There is an urgent need to reactivate the disabled elderly with consideration of the WHO directives concerning promotion of physical activities adjusted to individual capabilities and interests