Depsite the widely recognized benefits of physical activity programs the fact remains that older adults continue to manitain sedentary lifestyles while increasnig the frequency of other health-related practices. Thus ther is a a vital need to detremine the factors that affects excercise adherence among the aging population. The authors address this topic by exploring exercise adherence theories and by recommending a process evaluation model. Our discussion also includes a critique of a pragmatic evaluation design used in studying exercise adherence among a small group of older adults involved in a wellness walking program. The intent of the criti ue is to discuss how excrcise program directors can employ more exhaustive process model strategies in building a better understanding of the exercise adherence practices of older adults.