The main purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between degree of loneliness and depression among the elderly. In this study, 150 participants will be informed the purpose of the study and ensured their information confidentiality and anonymity protection. We also promised the care would not be affected if they refuse or withdraw from the study.

Participants needed to complete interviews. Information was collected, including UCLA Loneliness Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, Social Support Scale and basic demographic data (gender, age, marital status, education, religion, main residential patterns before entering long-term care institution, voluntary admission situation, duration of long-term care institution stay, economic situation, offspring, self-awareness of health, chronic illness situation). The study analysis applied SPSS/windows20.0 as independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, multiple linear regression analysis.

The study showed working status was significantly related to depression.  Unemployment was associated with higher degree of depression than employment and retirement. It indicates that lower social support can result in overwhelming sense of loneliness, and the ability of maintaining daily living was negatively associated with depression, as Regression Analysis in this study revealed loneliness was a predictor of depression with 67% of SSt (Total sum of squares) presented.