Objective:

To describe the Depression and Hopelessness in older adults belonging to community groups in the city of Chillán (Chile).

Method:

The study design is quantitative descriptive and transversal. A community census was carried out in a population of 78 older adults. Yesavage's Geriatric Depression Scale and Beck's Hopelessness Scale were applied.

Results:

According to the Yesavage scale, a level of mild depression was found in 24.4% followed by 9.0% of severe depression. When studying despair, mild despair was found in 56.4%, moderate in 23.1% and severe in 3.8%.

Conclusion:

33.4% older adults have symptoms of depression and 83.3% some level of hopelessness. Therefore, it is important to encourage participation in community groups, as it is a protective factor that should be strengthened at this stage of life.

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