206 Older Adults’ Exercise Behavior: Roles of Selected Constructs of Social-Cognitive Theory M. Renée Umstattd and Jeffrey Hallam Exercise is consistently related to physical and psychological health benefits in older adults. Bandura’s social-cognitive theory (SCT) is one theoretical per- spective on understanding and predicting exercise behavior. Thus, the authors examined whether three SCT variables—self-efficacy, self-regulation, and outcome-expectancy value—predicted older adults’ (N = 98) exercise behavior. Bivariate analyses revealed that regular exercise was associated with being male, White, and married; having higher income, education, and self-efficacy; using self-regulation skills; and having favorable outcome-expectancy values (p < .05). In a simultaneous multivariate model, however, self-regulation (p = .0097) was the only variable independently associated with regular exercise. Thus, exercise interventions targeting older adults should include components aimed at increasing the use of self-regulation strategies. Key Words: self-regulation, self-efficacy, outcome-expectancy value In 2000, 35 million people in the United States—12.4% of the population—were 65 years or older, which was an increase of 12.0% from 1990 (Administration on Aging, 2002). By 2030 it is estimated that the older adult population will be approach- ing 70 million, which would constitute 20% of the population (Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics, 2004). Not only is this the fastest growing segment of the population, but this population is disproportionately affected financially, physi- cally, and psychologically by declines in health (Administration on Aging, 2003). Exercise is described as beneficial for people of all ages, preventing, delaying, and reversing the onset of many chronic diseases and depression (Mazzeo et al., 1998). Exercise is also associated with the maintenance of independent living, enhancement of overall quality of life, and improved mobility and balance (Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics, 2004). Aside from numerous accounts directly linking exercise to improved balance, activities of daily living, and instrumental activities of daily living; lowered risk of chronic disease; and a more active and overall better quality of life, 28% of U.S. adults over 65 years of Umstattd is with the Dept. of Health Science, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. Hallam is with the Dept. of Health, Exercise Science and Recreation Management, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 2007, 15, 206-218 © 2007 Human Kinetics, Inc.