The purpose of this study was to examine the physical performance of elderly participants enrolled in an exercise program for several years. Subjects consisted of 36 community elders who participated in an exercise program for five years or more (intervention group), 12 community elders who dropped out of the exercise program after less than five years (drop-out group), and 36 cultural activity participants who were age-matched with the intervention group (control group). Subjects were asked to

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... fill out a questionnaire regarding their physical condition, health related quality of life (SF-8), changes in health status, life events, and exercise environment. Furthermore, participants were evaluated on 10meterwalking time, step length, tandem gait, and grip test to measure physical function. There were no significant differences with regard to age or gender among the three groups. The step length of the intervention group was longer compared to the control group (p<0.05), but there was no significant difference in any of the other mobility tests among the 3 groups. There was also no significant difference in the SF-8 score among the 3 groups; however, the intervention group was higher on social function compared to the control group (p<0.05). The drop-out group had many respondents on questions regarding history of hospitalizations, decrease opportunity for going out, and decline in oral functions. Elders who regularly participated in community activity could keep their physical function. On the other hand, it is necessary to support drop-out group as they had some risks for dependence.