Introduction: This paper presents data from a study examining how and to what extent older people are socially excluded, factors leading to social exclusion, and how social exclusion can be prevented/reduced. The data is drawn from the first qualitative phase of the study that explores the factors that older people report as causing social exclusion. Methods and materials: Older people were recruited within each of the five districts of Barnsley Metropolitan Borough, England, via networks established by Age Concern. All individuals recruited within a given district formed the membership of a focus group, with each of the five groups meeting on two separate occasions. A total of 40 older people participated. Discussions were guided by a topic schedule and analysed using the framework method. Results: Being active was seen as important for life satisfaction by all participants. However, not all participants were able to achieve a satisfactory level of activity and some reported being isolated and lonely. Contributing factors to low levels of activity were identified as depression, low self confidence and caring responsibilities. A minority of participants argued that lack of activity was the individual’s own fault. Analysis identified factors linked to social exclusion in general: deterioration in community spirit; fear of crime; life changing events such as retirement and widowhood; frailty; poor finances; transport; and accessibility including the physical environment. Conclusion: There was a consensus among older people that being active is central to preventing social exclusion. The data suggest a model of social exclusion in which many of the factors identified as related to social exclusion may act on an individual’s quality of life primarily through their effects on social activity levels. This model will be tested in the next stage of the study, a questionnaire survey of 1,200 older people in Barnsley.