Objective: Based on the self-determination theory, this study aimed at investigating the motivation of daily activity participation and its relationship with subjective health among urban elderly in China and France. Methods: A to⁃ tal of 512 Chinese elderlies and 181 French elderlies were invited to complete the echelle motivational scale, subjective health assessment, and the background information questionnaires. Results: Chinese elderly people participated in daily activities mainly driven by autonomous motivation; while French elderly people were likely to be dominated by both intrin⁃ sic motivation and autonomous motivation. Chinese participants showed higher controlled motivation and amotivation and lower intrinsic motivation than their French counterparts. Conclusion: Among both Chinese and French elderly, the higher the level of self-determined motivation for their participation in daily activities, the healthier subjective perception.