RESUMO
Objective To investigate the status of the level of hope and depression with the elderly in a welfare institution in Henan Xingyang city,and to explore the relationship between them. Methods A total number of 200 elderly people were recruited conveniently from a welfare institution in Henan Xingyang city. They were investigated by General Material Questionnaire, Herth Hope Scale and Geriatric Depression Scale. Results The total score of hope and depression with the elderly in a welfare institution were (21.28±3.07) , (13.15±2.77) points respectively, the depression detection rate was 82.38%(159/193);the level of hope was negatively related with depression (r=-0.447,P<0.01). Conclusions The hope of the elderly in welfare institution is not optimistic,and the depression detection rate is high,the level of hope is positively related with their depression,so we should take effective measures to improve their mental health according to the emotional state to give emotional care and improve the level of their hope.