Abstract
Purpose: This study was done to identify effects of preparation for death and depression on geriatric quality of life in rural communities and to identify whether preparation for death has a moderating effect on the relationship between depression and geriatric quality of life. Methods: Data from 210 rural elders over 65 years of age were obtained through face-to-face interviews with the elders and were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 program. Results: Quality of life of elders who had prepared for death was lower than for elders who had not prepared for death. Elders with higher psychological preparation for death had a higher quality of life. Ritual preparation for death had negative effects but they were not statistically significant. Psychological preparation for death had a moderating effect on depression and quality of life for elders in the rural community. The explanation power was 36.1% while ritual preparation for death had no moderating effect on either depression or quality of life. Conclusions: It is necessary to provide rural elders with intervention programs designed to improve positive thinking and attitudes to living considering religion in the process. Intervention programs to improve psychological preparation for death are also required to alleviate depression.