Objective:

To analyze the association between depressive symptoms and quality of life in older adults.

Method:

Cross-sectional study carried out between July and October, in 2020, with 596 older adults who answered three instruments, namely: bio-sociodemographic, Geriatric Depression Scale and WHOQOL-Old. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, Spearman correlation and linear regression tests, considering a 95% confidence interval (p<0.05).

Results:

Depressive symptoms were negatively and statistically significantly associated with all facets of quality of life: sensory abilities (β= -1.922 [CI95%= -2.328 - -1.517]); autonomy (β= -2.410 [CI95%= -2.755 - -2.064]); past, present and future activities (β= -3.534 [CI95%= -3.879 - -3.189]); social participation (β= -3.436 [CI95%= -3.816 - -3.056]); death and dying (β= -2.260 [CI95%= -2.792 - -1.728]) and intimacy (β= -3.547 [CI95%= -3,900 - -3.194]).

Conclusion:

The presence of depressive symptoms is negatively associated with the quality of life of older adults, thus requiring interventions in this area.

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