Objective: compare the quality of life (QOL) of aged residents in homes for aged people with or without symptoms of depression, and identify social, physical activity; leisure; health and basic activities of daily living (ADL) variables that correlate with QOL scores. Method: cross-sectional study conducted with 101 institutionalized aged. Multiple linear regression was used for data analysis. Results: symptoms of depression changed negatively the QOL in the domains: autonomy; present, past and future activities; social participation; intimacy and total score. Dependent aged presented lower QOL for the performance of ADL in the domains: autonomy; social participation and total score; dancing without limitation of movement; liking the residential and not presenting symptoms of depression were the variables that positively influenced the QOL of the aged. Conclusion: social and psychological support, good living conditions and stimulating assistance can improve the QOL of institutionalized elderlies.