Purpose: We investigated the relationship of depression and the ability to engage in activities of daily living in the elderly. Methods: Subjects (n = 182) were 60 years or older and who attended the Senior College of Gimhae Senior Welfare Center. We collected data via a questionnaire, through a Self- recording method and through individual interviews. We collected data on personal and general characteristics, level of depression, and activities of daily living. Results: Among all subjects, 51.1% reported having depressionMild depression was reported by 29.7% (54 subjects), moderate depression by 13.2% (24 subjects), and severe depression by 8.2% (15 subjects). Activities of daily living, including walking, climbing stairs, standing from a chair and sitting on and using toilets, using a telephone, bathing, shopping, cleaning house, and managing money were significantly lower in elderly subjects who were depressed (p<0.05). The greater the level of depression, the less able they were to engage in activities of daily living. Conclusion: These findings may help us achieve early detection of depression in the elderly and provide mediated arbitration so that they can have better health condition and greater ability to engage in activities of daily living.