The role of physical activity in the healthy lifestyle is a recurring element of surveys at every stage of the human life. The fact that people live longer indicates a necessity for studying the issue of physical activity of the elderly and disabled people. This review of researches reveals issues concerning physical activity of the elderly in Poland, and in other countries. Moreover, the study relates to the problem of physical activity among the elderly with disabilities. Researches show that this subject matter is present in the domestic studies relatively rarely. Results of surveys from other countries also concern issues of the elderly at around 80 years of age. The authors indicate the significant role of physical activity among the elderly, and the accompanying barriers.