Objective: to determine the relationship between quality of life and functional dependence, family functioning and social support in older adults in northeastern Mexico. Method: this is a quantitative, descriptive and analytical study, with 205 older adults. The Barthel Index, Lawton and Brody Scale, APGAR test, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and WHOQOL-BREF were applied. Results: the physical, psychological and social dimensions of quality of life are related to functional capacity, family functioning and social support (p < 0.05). Functional capacity and social support predict physical and psychological quality of life. Basic activities, family function and social support predict social quality of life. Instrumental activities and social support predict environmental quality of life. Conclusion: quality of life depends on functional independence, family function and positive perceived health. Independence in basic activities and adequate social support improve physical quality of life. Being independent in basic activities and social support improve psychological quality of life. When presenting a decrease in independence in instrumental activities, perceived quality of life decreases.