BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate health status and associated factors in community-dwelling elderly in the Netherlands. METHODS: Participants from a placebo-controlled double-blind randomized controlled trial conducted in the Netherlands were invited at the time of enrolment to participate in this study. Data were collected on comorbidities, socio-demographic background and health status, using EQ-5D-3L instrument. EQ-5D-3L summary index values (EQ-5D-indices) was derived using Dutch tariff. Regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with EQ-5D-indices and visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS). RESULTS: 48,634 elderly (≥65 years) were included. The most frequently reported complaint was pain/discomfort (29.4%), but for the elder elderly (i.e. ≥85 years) it was mobility (52.9%). The proportion of persons reporting (multiple) problems increased with age from 31.5% for 65-69 years old subjects to 65.9% for elder elderly. The mean EQ-5D-indices and EQ-VAS decreased with age from 0.94 and 84, respectively in those 65 to 69 years old to 0.86 and 76, respectively, in ≥85 years old subjects. Increasing age, female gender, low education, geographic factors and comorbidities were associated with impaired health status. CONCLUSIONS: Within community-dwelling elderly large differences in health status exist. Impairment increases rapidly with age, but health status is also associated with socio-demographic variables and comorbidities. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00812084 .