California Currents Book Review
The American Massage Therapy Association, California Chapter published the following article in the Winter 2007 issue.
Based on a true story, The Cactus Generation traces the life of a woman, Virginia, from a solitary childhood through a challenging family crisis to her first experience with touch and massage. Watching her parents age and die and dealing with the disability of a child led her to a fascination with a deeper human connection.
Cactus Generation touches many topics around aging and care, including the effects and fears of aging, long-term care and Alzheimer’s Disease. On her journey, Virginia observed the benefits of caring touch to the elderly and the appreciation shown by those vanishing seniors. Her understanding of energy led to her discovery that communication was possible, even with those who were unable to use conventional methods.
In view of the increasing elderly population and the struggles and decisions faced by their children, Cactus Generation is a timely statement addressing a need in the senior segment. Swept away and forgotten when they can no longer care for themselves, seniors can become lonely and irritable. Their lives can be considerably enhanced through compassionate connection with appropriate touch.
The Cactus Generation will be released in January, 2007. Visit cactusgeneration.com for more information and to order the book.
Author Maggie Walters writes. . .
I have been working with seniors in nursing homes for the past few years. When I began in that setting, massage schools did not offer guidelines for working with the frail elderly population and I found that I had to adapt nearly all the techniques I had learned. My own body mechanics also had to be closely monitored because my clients were in unusual positions. Many of them were in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s Disease and were unable to response physically or verbally. When I talked with other therapists I found that some were working with seniors but they were invariably in senior centers and had some function. I found no one who was going into locked units and trying to bring some relief to people who were often left there for many years. I have written Cactus Generation with the intent of helping families see how they can continue to communicate with their lost loved ones.
