In a population study comprising 588 76‐year‐olds, the level of physical activity and physical performance, as well as associations between the variables included, was investigated. Men were significantly more active than women unless household activities were included in the physical activity scale, in which case no difference was found between men and women in the summer, whereas women were significantly more active than men in winter. In all performance variables (isometric knee extensor strength, stair‐climbing and maximal walking speed) men had significantly higher values than women. Correlations between physical activity and physical performance were moderate, but still indicate that the scale is a valid one for assessing physical act