Blog Post

Older Americans - Sharing the Stories of East Texans

Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • Jun 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.”
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Throughout May, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) is joining organizations across the nation to celebrate the seniors in our communities for Older Americans Month (OAM). The AAA will host and partner with organizations for six celebration events across East Texas at area senior centers and community centers focusing on connection – how communities can build relationships to maintain a healthy senior population. OAM is a national initiative led by the Administration for Community Living. This year’s theme, Powered by Connection , recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being. The following OAM celebration events are open to the public and will include food, fun, door prizes, and information on services available to East Texas seniors: May 8th at the Forever Young Activity Center, located at 404 S. Main St. in Quitman, from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM May 9th at the Harrison County Extension Office, located at 2005 Warren Dr. in Marshall, from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM May 14th at the Douglas Alumni Association Inc., located at 408 Terry St. in Pittsburg, from 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM May 16th at the First United Methodist Church, located at 225 Lovers Ln in Athens, from 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM May 30th at Central Baptist Church, located at 220 W. Sabine St. in Carthage, from 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM The AAA serves as the region's leader in advocating and providing various services, such as information and referral, benefits counseling, case management, health education classes, senior nutrition, housing repair, and support through the Ombudsman program for people in nursing and assisted living facilities. These services help older individuals live independent, meaningful, and dignified lives in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Contact the AAA for questions about the events by calling (903) 218-6500.
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