Background:Social isolation is a significant problem for frail older adults and the determinants ofsocial engagement are poorly understood. Objectives:This study explored the social engagement of frail eldersto identify personal attributes associated with social engagement. Design, Setting and Participants:A cross-sectional sample of seventy-three people receiving home-based care in one town on the South Island of NewZealand (mean age 82 (7.2) yrs, n=51 Females, 21 Males). Measurements:Face-to-face semi-structuredinterviews and questionnaires. Functional independence was measured using Nottingham Extended Activities ofDaily Living (EADL), self-efficacy by General Self Efficacy Scale, and 2 open-ended questions were piloted onsocial activities and helping others. Results:Regression models identified two statistically associatedcomponents of social engagement: social activities and civic involvement. Contributions to families andcommunity organizations and exercise were important social activities. Personal attributes included perceivedfunctional independence and self-efficacy. Conclusions:In frail older adults, a measurement of socialengagement should address activities older adults identify as important, including exercise. Independence, self -efficacy, and social engagement may interact in reinforcing cycles of empowerment and could play a role indeveloping interventions to retain and maintain function in frail older adults.