Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for depression in adults of 65 95 years of geriatric care centers in Barranquilla. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study, with case-control analysis. 66 seniors participated. Survey was risk factors and Minimental Test and Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale. Independent variables were studied: age, sex, educational level, income, income sources, associated diseases and type, polypharmacy, and type of institution. It was performed Bivariate analysis was done according depression and the independent variables. Analysis was performed by: percent, average and standard deviation and association (Or and CI 95 % and Chi-square and p). Results: The prevalence of depression was 36.4 % predominantly mild depression (24.2 %). Were established risk factors to have an incomplete primary education level (OR: 1.9, IC 95% 0.02 5.43, p: 0, 0090) and present neurological and psychiatric disorders (OR: 6, 6, IC 95 %: 1.21-35.9, p: 0, 0215). Showed significant association strength: male sex and single marital status. Strength showed no significant association, the source of income, income less than 1 SMLV, polypharmacy and the type of home. Conclusions: Depression was found in one third of the institutionalized population, being more affected, adults with incomplete primary education and some neurological or psychiatric disorder. Likewise, men, singles, those with low incomes, which come from families who have low blood pressure and living in public nursing homes.