Older Americans - Sharing the Stories of East Texans
Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • June 23, 2021
Cathryn Austin - Panola County
As part of the Area Agency of East Texas’ mission to serve the elderly population, 95-year-old Cathryn Austin of Panola County was gracious enough to share her life story with us.
Mrs. Austin was born and raised in Carthage, where she farmed, raised a family, and is still involved in the community she has come to love.
“Well, I grew up in Carthage, and went to school in Carthage, and worked in Carthage, and married a man out here,” she said.
That man, Truett Austin, and Cathryn had two children, Donna and Don.
“My brother is nine years younger than me, and I was so glad when he came along so he could share in the work,” said Donna Marler, Mrs. Austin’s daughter.
Throughout the years, the family raised livestock, grew vegetables, picked cotton on the family farm that has been in the family since 1917.
Hard work runs in the family and is a cherished value that both Mrs. Austin and Donna hold dear.
Even at 95-years-old, Mrs. Austin is still involved in the community through activities like sewing blankets for hospitals and foster homes and calling family and friends to keep spirits alive.
When asked what advice she would give others, Mrs. Austin said to stay busy.
“Finding out what they can do and see about doing it,” she said. “Just take every day as it comes.”
The Marshall-Harrison County Health District invites community members to attend the next Building Healthy Futures class, Navigating Aging, on Thursday, July 30, at 1:00 p.m. at the Harrison County AgriLife Extension Office (2005 Warren Drive, Marshall, Texas). Presented by the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas, this free educational class is designed to introduce older adults, caregivers, and family members to valuable programs and resources that support healthy, independent living. Participants will learn about the Area Agency on Aging's evidence-based intervention programs, which are designed to promote wellness, prevent falls, manage chronic health conditions, and improve overall quality of life. Attendees will also enjoy a nutritious snack provided during the class. In addition to the presentation, the Area Agency on Aging will conduct a brief community survey to gather input on the types of aging-related classes and services residents would like to see offered in Marshall and Harrison County. Community feedback will help shape future educational opportunities to better meet local needs. "Building Healthy Futures is about connecting our community with trusted resources that support health and well-being at every stage of life," said Jennifer Hancock, Executive Director of the Marshall-Harrison County Health District. "We're excited to partner with the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas to learn more about the classes and services they offer." The class is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended by visiting mhchd.org or by contacting the Marshall-Harrison County Health District at 903-938-8338.
Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month, and this year’s theme was “Champion Your Health.” In recognition of the month, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas hosted three community events in Jacksonville, Marshall, and Athens, bringing together older adults, caregivers, staff, volunteers, and community partners to celebrate healthy aging and support older adults’ independence. More than 420 people attended the three events, where they received information and heard from experts on senior services, exercise programs, fraud and scams, and ways to take an active role in managing their health. Activities included on-site health screenings, evidence-based activity demonstrations, a Dementia Live demonstration, and the TxDOT Car Fit Program for Seniors. At some events, local officials also read proclamations recognizing May as Older Americans Month, including Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis, who presented the proclamation in Jacksonville. “We encourage older East Texans and their caregivers to connect with our agency to learn more about the resources and services available to help them live independently and remain active in their communities,” said Adrian Cornejo, ETCOG’s Director of the Area Agency on Aging. Special thanks to all event partners, sponsors, volunteers, AAA staff, and participants who helped make these Older Americans Month events a success!
