BACKGROUND: This study was performed to investigate the relationship of health behaviors and physical health status in the elderly. Therefore, we evaluated the significance of health behaviors and acquire useful data for health promotion in the elderly. METHODS: The eklerly 65-years old or over were recruited and enrolled at a medical service practiced in 8 different rural areas in 1997. A total of 217 completed questionnaires were obtained. The questionnaire consisted of the variables of sociodemography, health behavior, physical health status, health concern, and depression. The data were analysed by Mantel-Haenszel test for linear association, t test, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Among the health behaviors eating breakfast and physical activity were related to physical health status. Factor the level of practicing health behavior was related to physical health status, especially to the admission history, and disability in work because of the illness. The predictors of health status score were health concern and total health behaviors. Only physical activity among the health behaviors was the significant predictor of physical health status. CONCLUSIONS: The result that health behaviors are related to health status in the middle aged is applicable to the elderly. And physical activity is the predictor of physical health status in the elderly. These results suggest health behaviors will be helpful to the elderlys health.