Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore how depressive symptoms affect physical functioning in the institutionalized elderly and to show gender differences. One hundred and thirty-three subjects aged 65 and older living rest home (60 women and 73 men) with mean age of 75.27±6.71 years were included in the study and were examined using Beck Depression Inventory and depression was defined as a score of ≥13 on the inventory. Physical functioning level of the elderly was evaluated by using Functional Independence Measure and Rivermead Mobility Index. Women in the study pool suffered from more depressive symptoms than men. The older women and men with a high Beck Depression Inventory score showed a decreased physical functioning (p<0.05). Among variables, such as age, duration of stay, duration of work, marital status, education level, occupation and regular exercise, a significant correlation was detected with depression scores (p<0.05). Depression scores were found to be important correlates of the diagnosis of depression. There was some evidence of possible gender in the diagnosis of depression. Physical functioning scores decreased with depressive symptoms.