In order to describe both the process and the impact of introducing a program of early activation for acutely admitted elderly patients in medical wards, two populations, one before and the other after the intervention of the program, were followed up. The program was implemented in cooperation with the nursing staff, who were integrated in the rehabilitation work. Population I (219 admissions) was collected in 1981 and Population II (272 admissions) during a corresponding period in 1983. Survival, type of residence and ADL status 5 months after hospital admission were recorded as outcome measures. There were no differences between 1981 and 1983. In 1983 the mean length of stay was 4.7 days shorter than in 1981. The program cannot be shown to have caused the difference in length of stay. The study shows that such a program of early activation was easy to apply in clinical practice for aged and disabled patients in general medical wards.