<p>This study explores the impact of ecological and cultural factors on elderly residents in rural public spaces. Ongoing migration of younger residents to urban areas has resulted in a higher proportion of elderly individuals in rural districts. Open spaces are critical for promoting social interaction and supporting active aging among the elderly. Despite this, the planning and design of rural open spaces primarily address physical and safety needs, often overlooking social and cultural dimensions. Data were collected in Huangchao Village, Jinan City, and analysed through a Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) to evaluate five reflective constructs (ECO, CUL, SPA, PHE, SPS) and their interaction pathways. A total of 186 valid responses were obtained through questionnaire surveys, and model validation was conducted using SmartPLS 4.0 software. The findings indicate that ecological experience significantly enhances both spatial perception and cultural identity (β &gt; 0.65), which in turn positively affect health effect and spatial satisfaction. Cultural identity directly increases satisfaction perception and indirectly affects it through health effect perception. Spatial perception and health effect perception serve as key mediators in the relationship between ecological experience and satisfaction. The findings from this study provide valuable insights for rural planners and designers. They emphasize the importance of integrating ecological landscapes with local culture to enhance the overall well-being and spatial satisfaction of elderly residents. This study offers practical guidance for creating healthy and inclusive rural environments, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 11, and 15.</p>