Aim Physical function is considered to be associated with dysphagia: however, there is little data regarding the association between dysphagia and functional decline during hospitalization among older patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of dysphagia, and the association between dysphagia and functional status during hospitalization in older acute‐care patients. Methods A total of 103 older patients without present or prior history of diseases that could directly impair swallowing and cause dysphagia (45 men and 58 women; mean age 80.5 years) hospitalized in acute‐care wards were included in the present study. Dysphagia or difficulty swallowing was assessed by using the 10‐item Eating Assessment Tool. Functional and nutritional status, such as Barthel Index (BI), Mini‐Nutritional Assessment short form, body mass index, calf circumference, handgrip strength and dysphagia, were analyzed to evaluate their relationships. Results Dysphagia, as assessed using the 10‐item Eating Assessment Tool, was noted in 26.2% of the participants. Multivariate analysis showed that dysphagia, handgrip strength and BI on admission were independently associated with poor BI gain during hospitalization after adjustment for age, sex, causative disease for admission, premorbid ADL, length of hospital stay, Mini‐Nutritional Assessment short form, handgrip strength and BI. Conclusions Dysphagia, as assessed by the 10‐item Eating Assessment Tool, was common in older patients. In addition, dysphagia was independently associated with poorer functional recovery during acute‐care hospitalization of older patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; ••: ••–••.