Aims: the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of chronic pain on mental health of the elderly persons. Additionally, the study was to investigate the relationship of regular physical activity and participation in Third Age University classes with incidence of depression states in the studied population. Material: the studied population consisted of 40 persons aged from 60 to 78 years (65 years on average). All of those persons participated in the Third Age University classes in Walbrzych. Methods: the study used the following research methods: GHQ-28 (General Health Questionnaire - 28 questions), McGill Questionnaire (short version) and a survey established by the research team, which covered information on reported injuries, chronic pain and physical activity level of the subjects. Conclusions: chronic pain has a direct negative impact on the general health and mental health state of the elderly persons. It is a direct cause of increased rate of insomnia and functional disorders. There is a mutual relation between symptoms of depression, subjective sensations of chronic and the emotional status of individuals. Physical activity, involvement in social activities and participation in theoretical and practical classes of the Third Age University has a beneficial effect on the state of mental health of individuals.