Objective To explore the status and relationships among motor function, self-perception aging and depression in community-dwelling older adults, so as to provide reference for developing intervention to promote the mental health of the elderly. Methods A total of 842 community-dwelling older adults in Xinxiang city were selected conveniently and investigated using the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale, the Brief Ageing Perceptions Questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale, to construct the structural equation modeling and examine the relationships among the three variables. Results The detection rate of locomotive syndrome and depression was 8.31% and 16.75% respectively. The mean score of self-perception aging was 2.44±0.52. Motor function was positively correlated with self-perception aging and depression, self-perception aging was positively associated with depression (P<0.01 for all). Results from structural equation modeling showed that, the direct effect of motor function on depression was significant (effect value 0.207, effect size 45.5%), and the mediating effect of self-perceived aging on motor function and depression was significant (effect value 0.248, effect size 54.5%). Conclusion The incid ence of depression emotion among the elderly in community is high, it is necessary to take effective measures to help the elderly develop positive attitude towards aging, in order to promote their mental health.