Aim The aim of the present study was to examine a relationship between altered social activity and quality of life in later life. Methods Data came from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2006–2012), which consisted of 7096 participants aged 45 years or older. Change in social activity was classified into four categories; that is, “consistent non‐participation,” “participation to no participation,” “no participation to participation” and “consistent participation.” Social activity was divided into various elements, and the same analysis was carried out for each element. The linear mixed model was used to investigate the association between changes in social activity and quality of life among middle‐aged and elderly Koreans. Results Those with changes from “participation to no participation” (b 2.253, P < 0.0001), “no participation to participation” (b 3.348, P < 0.0001) and “consistent participation” (b 6.624, P < 0.0001) were more likely to be satisfied with their lives than those with “consistent non‐participation” (P < 0.0001 for trend). In addition, the impact of the positive relationship between consistent participation in social activity and quality of life varied across different elements of social activity. The positive association was particularly strong for religious activities, friendship organization, leisure/culture clubs, family/school reunion and voluntary work (b 1.451, P < 0.0004; b 5.049, P < 0.0001; b 4.903, P < 0.0001; b 4.757, P < 0.0001; b 4.562, P < 0.0001; respectively, for consistent participation vs consistent non‐participation). Conclusion Consistent participation in religious activities, friendship organizations, leisure/culture clubs, family/school reunion ,and volunteer work improves quality of life among middle aged and older Koreans. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 132–141.