Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine actual state and risk of constipation in the institutionalized elderly. Methods: A descriptive design was used with convenience sampling of 365 institutionalized elderly. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Results: 1) The constipation rate was 29.3%, the elderly had irregular bowel habit was 73.7%. 2) The 25.2% of the elderly was administrated laxatives. 3) High risk of constipation was 1.1%, moderate risk was 15.1%, and mild risk was 44.2% respectively 4) Risk of constipation showed significantly differences according to age, admission periods and daily fluid intake. 5) State of mobility, long-term care classification, gender, digestants and type of diet were explained 63% of risk of constipation. Conclusion: The institutionalized elderly showed a tendency toward high risk of constipation. So, effective management and application of nonpharmacologic therapy for constipation in the institutionalized elderly was needed.