The purpose of this study was to identify the degree of perceived powerlessness and the factors which influence the powerlessness of the elderly. Data were collected by self-reported structured questionnare from 210 subjects living in Kwang-Ju and Che-Ju cities on 5th to 17th February 1996. Data were analyzed using statistical package SAS. The findings were as follows : 1. The mean scores of the degree of perceived powerlessness of the subjects were 58.90 out of 85. The elderly people in Kwang-Ju city perceived more powerlessness than elderly people of Che-Ju city. 2. The factors which influence the powerlessness of the elderly were age, gender, education level, living standard, spouse, former and present job, health condition, family support, social and recreational activities. From the results of this study, to alleviate the powerlessness of the elderly, with the efforts of health maintenance and promotion various community based social activities and support system should be developed for the elderly.