This study is aimed at grasping the benefit/effect of program promoting intention to exercise performance based theory of planned behavior in the elderly who live in the rural areas with degenerative joint diseases (DJDs). Methods: There were 2 groups; 32 people in the experimental group and 24 in the control group, all above the age of 60. Program promoting intention to exercise performance was applied to the experimental group for 12 weeks. Results: Compared to the control group, the experimental group showed a significant the increase of attitude towards exercise, subjective norm, perceived behavior control, exercising intention, and exercise performance. Also, pain as a physical function, joint stiffness, ADLs, body flexibility, parallel, perceived health state as a psychological function, and life satisfaction were significantly improved. Conclusion: We expect that program promoting intention to exercise performance is used in nursing practice for the elderly with DJDs are needed to manage lifestyle.