PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the utility of a 'Check list for vivid social activities (Check list)' developed for self-evaluates of social activities by the elderly. In this study, two surveys were made. First, the usefulness of the 'Check list' was evaluated by the person in charge of health and welfare for elderly in each region. Then a survey of the elderly using the 'Check list' was made in some regions to further assess its. METHODS: 1. We conducted a study of 3,255 cities, towns and villages in Japan using a mailed questionnaire. 2. About 4,100 elderly 65 years of age or older from 27 regions filled in the 'Check list'. The participants belonged to various groups such as those receiving physical care and senior citizen organizations. RESULTS: 1. One thousand four hundred and seventy (45.2%) cities, towns and villages responded to our questionnaire. About 50% of those were in favor regarding 'the utility of the Check list' and 'ease of filling in the Check list'. About 25% of them were in favor in terms of 'the efficiency of the Check list for making elderly initiate some social activities'. Forty-four percent of them answered that they intended to take advantage of the 'Check list'. 2. By comparing results from each of the 27 regions, it was possible to evaluate the levels of social activities by the locality. By comparing activities of groups composed of regions with same characteristic, it was possible to characterize social activities at the group. CONCLUSION: These finding suggest utility for the 'Check list'.