Challenges of Doing Intervention Research With the Elderly Taiwanese Population: Example of a Tai Chi/Movement Therapy

The purpose of this article is to address the challenges of conducting intervention research with an elderly population by using the example of a tai chi intervention study. Various difficulties can arise while conducting interventions with the elderly; these can involve factors related to long-term care facilities, health care providers, and the research team, as well as the institutionalized elders themselves. Any difficulty may influence research results. As a consequence, challenges must be dealt with in a positive manner to conduct a valid geriatric study. Modifications and strategies that the research team engaged to manage the challenges in this study are discussed.