This study was conducted to identify factors influencing depression and to determine the predictors of depression in elderly women in the community. The data were collected between November 20 and December 19, 2001 using a structured questionnaire for face to face interviews. The participants were 179 women over 60 years of age who were living at home. Data were analysed by the program, SPSSWIN. The results are as follows : 1. Variables showed a significant negative correlation with depression were mental status, ADL, IADL, perceived health status, self-esteem, perceived social support from family members who live in the same household, and other children and relatives. A positive correlation was observed between the number of chronic diseases and depression. 2. Self esteem, perceived health status and perceived social support from children who do not live in the same household and relatives accounted for 42.9% of the variance in depression for elderly women. Self esteem was the most predictable variable for depression. The results suggest that individual characteristics, mental status, physical health, self-esteem and perceived social support are important variables in decreasing and preventing depression in elderly women.