الفهرس 
Introduction
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Abstract
Moving to an elderly home can put the elders at risk to develop physical and mental dependency. This result from the changes associated with aging and the institutional routine which increase the elders’ risk for restricted mobility, depression and cognitive deterioration. Lack of activity and stimulation usually accelerate the occurrence of psychological and mental problems among elders. Exercise improves the functional ability of elders, maintains independence, increases social interaction, improves mood, promotes a sense of well being, lowers the occurrence of depressive symptoms and enhances better cognitive functions. Thus maintaining physical activity, through regular exercise, is a road to healthy aging.
The aim of the study is:
To determine the effect of a physical exercise program on the functional performance, mental status, and depressive symptoms of institutionalized elderly.
Materials and method:
Design: quasi experimental.
Setting: the study was carried out in Dar El Hana and Dar El Saada governmental elderly homes in Alexandria.
Subjects: the study subjects amounted to 40 elderly females residing in the previous settings and fulfilling the study criteria (aged 60 years and more, able to move, mentally capable of understanding and performing the required exercises).
Tools: In addition to obtaining the elders’ sociodemographic characteristics and health profile the following tools were used for data collection:
Tool I- Functional performance assessment tests:
1- Obstacle course: was used to assess the functional balance and mobility of the elders.
2- The lower limb function: was assessed by measuring the standing balance, walking speed, and the ability of the elder to rise from a chair.
3- 6 minute walk test: measures the distance (by meters) that could be walked by the elder during six minutes before and after the program.
Tool II- Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE): develop by Folstein (1975), it was used to evaluate the cognitive status of elders.
Tool III Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS): develop by Yesavage (1983), it was used to measure depressive symptoms of elders.
Development of the exercise program: the elders participated in about one hour exercise session, three times per week for 6 months. The total number of sessions was 72 sessions. Each session included: 5 minutes warm up, followed by mobility exercises (20 minutes), aerobic exercises involving standing and sitting on a chair and climbing stairs (10 minutes), walking (20 minutes), and ended with 5 minutes cool down.