Purpose: The purpose of this study was to provide basic information for developing programs to maintain and improve the physical health of the elders living m rural areas. Methods: For this study, 200 male and female elders were selected through convenient sampling. The researchers visited the home of each elder and collected data by using the mini -nutritional assessment tool developed by Guigoz, Vellas & Garry (1996). Real numbers and percentages, means and standard deviations, t-test, ANOVA and Scheffe’ test were used to analyze the data. SAS was the computer program used in this study. Results: For nutritional status, 57% of the subjects were well-nourished, 41%, at risk for malnutrition and 2%, under nutrition. However, the average score for nutritional status was satisfactory at 24.03 points. The nutritional status of the elders was different according to their gender and age. Nutritional status was better in men than in women and better for those their 60s compared to those their 70s or 80s. Conclusion: The nutritional status of elders in rural areas was assessed to be satisfactory; however, the nutritional status deteriorated as they got older. This result suggests the necessity of more thorough nutrition management for older elders by heal care providers in rural areas.