Objective:

To evaluate the association between perceived social support and the depression level in older adults who attend and participate in activities at a gerontological center from Hidalgo state, Mexico.

Methodology:

Quantitative, descriptive, correlational non-experimental study. A sample of 71 older adults who attend gerontology centers. The study variables were perceived social support and depression. For the measurement and data collection, the questionnaires were used, DUKE-UNC11 with a reliability of 0.66 and validity of 0.88, which assesses how the older adults perceive social support and the Yesavage geriatric scale with a reliability of 0.84 and validity of 0.78 that identifies the degree of depression in the elderly.

Results:

Of the 71 older adults, 72.8% were female and 28.2% male. In schooling, 29.6% finished primary school, on the other hand, 80.3% are of the catholic religion, 38% of the participants are married and most of them dedicate themselves to the home, 62%. The age that most prevailed was 75 years. 42.3% of older adults are observed with mild depression, 49.3% moderate depression 8.5% severe depression. Likewise, 67.6% with normal social support and 32.4% low social support. A significant inverse correlation was obtained between social support and the level of depression (r = -0.336, p < 0.01).

Conclusion:

The more social support older adults receive, the lower their degree of depression.

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