Aims Decreased chewing ability in older adults can lead to poor nutritional and physical conditions, and eventually death. The present study examined the relationships between chewing ability and related characteristics (e.g. health promotion habits, health status and functional status), and identified predictors of chewing ability in community‐residing older adults. Methods Among the total of 11 542 participants in the 2011 National Survey on Older Adults in Korea, data from 10 543 participants were used for analysis. Chewing ability was evaluated using a self‐report of chewing ability. Exercise ability was assessed by objective exercise ability and perceived exercise ability in both the upper and lower extremities. Depression and cognitive functions were measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale‐Short Form and the Mini‐Mental State Examination, respectively. Results A total of 56.9% of participants had poor chewing abilities. After adjusting for age and sex, logistic regression analysis showed that depression (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.60–1.92), cognitive impairment (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.17–1.40), objective exercise ability (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.11–1.41), regular exercise habits (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.13–1.34), medical check‐up history (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.05–1.32), number of chronic diseases (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.09–1.15) and perceived exercise ability in the lower extremities (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.05–1.10) were significant predictors of chewing ability. Conclusion Chewing ability in older adults should be improved in consideration of mental and general health condition. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 78–84.