Elderly experienced physical and cognitive decline that affected their independence in daily activities. One influencing factor was mental condition, such as depression. Depression reduced the ability of older adults to perform basic activities. This study aimed to determine the relationship between depression levels and independence among the elderly in Krowe Village, Lembeyan District, Magetan Regency.
This study used a quantitative analytic correlational design with a cross-sectional method. A total of 65 elderly respondents were selected from a population of 178 using purposive sampling. The independent variable was the level of depression, and the dependent variable was independence, measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale and Barthel Index. The statistical test used was Spearman Rank.
The results showed that most respondents did not experience depression (63,1%). Most respondents were categorized as “independent” (67,7%). However, there were elderly with mild depression who remained independent (6,2%), and elderly without depression who were slightly dependent (1,5%). The data analysis showed a p-value of 0,000, indicating a significant relationship between depression level and independence among the elderly in Krowe Village, Lembeyan District, Magetan Regency.
In conclusion, the lower the level of depression, the higher the independence of the elderly. It was recommended that older adults, families, nurses, and village authorities improve early detection of depression and strengthen social support and posyandu activities to maintain elderly independence and mental health.