We describe and analyze active ageing and quality of life among older Swedes drawing on national statistics and demographic records, surveys, and other sources. When feasible, we assess shifts over time, covering lifestyles—half of older persons still lived in rural settings in 1945—work and income (older persons increasingly are in the labor market), leisure activities, health and ADL status, cultural activities, volunteering and caregiving. Additionally, we also focus on changes in family life of older persons, loneliness and isolation. In significant ways family ties are stronger today than just some 30 years ago, many more have a partner and children, and more often children who live close. Here we draw on data for the whole Swedish population. These changes have important implications for activities and quality of life in general of older persons, but they are also embedded in larger social changes that may affect their perception of life.