Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate health behavior, life satisfaction and stress in elderly people living in a rural community. Methods: The participants in this study were 198 elders from Y-county. Data were collected using a self-report questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive statistics, Pearson\'s correlation, t-test, ANOVA and Cronbach\'s α. Results: There were statistically significant differences in stress according to the residential area. There were statistically significant differences in the health status of the elders according to age, education level, marital status, and presence of spouse. There were statistically significant differences in life satisfaction according to sex, marital status, education level, use of meeting facilities for elders and presence of spouse. The health status of the elders was also positively related to life satisfaction and negatively related to stress. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that health status is a core factor determining the quality of life for elders. Therefore, a priority for gerontological nursing has to be a focus on improving the psychological and physical health for elders.