Introduction: Depression is the frequent disorder among the elderly population and has the consequence of increasing morbidity and mortality and worsening of quality of life. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the depression and quality of life of the elderly. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative study to obtain date on the diagnosis of depression, quality of life and level of physical activity using the BECK questionnaires and the WHOQOL-BREF and IPAQ, respectively. socioeconomic variables (age, income, marital status, with whom they live). Results: Our findings showed that gender, income contribution and physical activity level were significantly associated with the diagnosis of depression with values of p≤0,000, p≤0,045 and ≤0,010, respectively. Quality of life had no association, however, even though it had good quality of life, the elderly had a high prevalence of depression. Final Considerations: The study showed that in the male gender, the quality of life does not influence the diagnosis of depression. It also emphasizes that both genders demonstrate partial dependence on someone, since the factor of advanced age decreases their ability to perform certain work activities, thus reducing the contribution in family income.