Purpose: This study was done to identify the factors influencing powerlessness in community-dwelling older
adults. Methods: The participants in this study were 155 older adults. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire
including scales for general characteristics, powerlessness, stress, depression, social support, health
promotion behavior, and activity of daily living. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA,
and stepwise multiple regression analysis with the SPSS/WIN 18.0 program. Results: There were statistically significant
differences in powerlessness according to age, living with spouse, living with family, education level, perceived
economic status, perceived health status, and medical treatment experience. The most powerful predictor
of powerlessness was depression(p<.001, R2=.577). A combination of depression, health promotion behavior,
stress, social support, and current medical treatment accounted for 69.1% of the variance in powerlessness.
Conclusion: The results suggest that future study needs to be done to develop and test nursing intervention programs
using randomized clinical trial methods to identify interventions to relieve the powerlessness in older adults.