Exhibit 5

August 2, 2005

Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Judiciary Plaza
Washington, DC  20549

Ladies and Gentlemen:

      We have acted as legal counsel to National Health Investors, Inc., (the
"Company") in connection with the preparation of a Registration Statement on
Form S-8 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Registration
Statement"), relating to up to 1,500,000 shares of the Company's common stock,
par value $.01 per share (the "Shares"), to be issued by the Company under its
2005 Stock Option, Restricted Stock and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan.

      We have examined and are familiar with the Certificate of Incorporation
and the By-Laws of the Company, and the various corporate records and
proceedings relating to the organization of the Company and the filing of the
Registration Statement. We have also examined such other documents and
proceedings as we have considered necessary for the purpose of this opinion.

      Based on the foregoing it is our opinion that the Shares will, when sold,
be legally issued, fully paid, and non-assessable.

      We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement.

                                           Very truly yours,

                                           HARWELL HOWARD HYNE
                                           GABBERT & MANNER, P.C.

                                           /s/ Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert &
                                           Manner, P.C.

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