ObjectiveTo compare the disability conditions in different elderly populations in Sichuan province in order to get baseline data for further analyses in the future. MethodFrom October 2011 to August 2012, face-to-face interviews were performed by trained investigators in different elderly populations from urban communities, rural communities, acute care wards and rehabilitation wards. The main content of the investigation was the Elderly Disability Assessment Scale (EDAS). ResultsTotally, 1406 subjects were interviewed, among which, 1387 subjects completed the questionnaires. The response rate was 98.7%. The mean age of the participants was (73.8±8.2) years old. Elderly people dwelling in rural areas had a highest disability rate (81.4%), while the correspondent rate in subjects in acute care wards, rehabilitation wards, and urban community were 79.2%, 64.5%, and 53.8%, respectively (P<0.001). In each population, the disability rate increased with age. In the whole sample, most disabled subjects were of mild disability (80.5%). However, those in acute care wards or rehabilitation wards were more likely to have severe or profound disability. ConclusionsThe disability rate and the severity of disability increase with age in different elderly populations in Sichuan province, although most of them are of mild disability. The disability rate is conspicuously higher in the elderly dwelling in rural areas.