Why is it so hard for seniors to get rid of things? Do you think its tied to their mortality unconsciously?

Question

We have so much stuff and I am the one who has to take care of everything.

I mean't subconsciously. Sorry about that.

Answer 1

It has nothing to do with their subconscious. Believe me they are well aware of their own mortality. I have many friends who have the same problem -- they just keep everything! I mean useless things like checkbooks/bank statements from 20 years ago, and they are only in their 50's! But as one ages, there comes a time to simplify your life. Some people have problems doing that. Suddenly, everything they look at brings back a memory. Eventually, most seniors get to the point where they feel they can part with certain items and give them to their children or grandchildren generally along with the story that goes with the item. If not, then their bodies and minds give out and they can't remember things even with their memento's. It's very sad. Don't be so selfish to your aging parent. They gave you life, raised you, did without for you, and made many sacrifices you may never know about. Honor them, and later on you can get rid of their stuff if you want. But, don't be surprised if you find you can't part with it because it reminds you of them! One day, you will be old too and hopefully your children won't feel the same way as you do. Just be happy that you still have them at all. Mine are gone and I miss them still every day.

Answer 2

Many of the seniors alive today were children or young adults during the 1930s when there was a severe economic depression known as the Great Depression. They were taught to save everything saveable and not to waste one scrap or one penny. A sizeable number of people were poor, homeless, and hungry then. What brought somewhat of an economic upturn was World War II. This time, people saved up all manner of things to support the war effort because basic materials like metal, rubber, gasoline, and even food were needed by the military to keep the soldiers healthy and well supplied so that the war could be fought effectively. Many of our seniors alive today never forgot this, which is a main reason why they seem to save everything.

Answer 3

There are certain people who don't like getting rid of things, not just seniors. You can pretty much bet those seniors didn't like getting rid of things when they were younger as well. Many who lived during the Great Depression put more value on "things" than necessary and hang on to them. Others mistake things for people. My wife wouldn't get rid of anything that her father had given her or that he had owned after he died. When I pointed out that she still had his memory even if the things were gone she realized why she was keeping them. She could then get rid of the things and enjoy her photos and memories of him. Much easier and less chaotic. There are also obsessive compulsive people with hoarding disorders and can't seem to throw anything at all away. They have a mental illness. I don't think seniors tie things to their mortality, I think people become more important as they see the end nearing, not things.

Answer 4

If all they have left from the happy memories of living their life are things you feel you have to get rid of then that's sad. Let them still enjoy those things. Would you like your life taken away from you? Even alzheimers patients remember from the things they still have, at least once in a while.

Younger people hang onto their cars, their house, a copy of their college degrees, their lucky shoes, pictures of their kids, things their kids made for them...so is it the younger peoples' mortality unconsciousness?

Answer 5

Well Daisy Mae I think your wrong about senior citizens.They`re know different than any one else.In fact I`ve gotten rid of a lot of things sense I`ve aged.Every ones different.Some folks hang on to things for ever and others have some thing a while then give it a toss or have a yard sale.I really don`t think age has any thing to do with it.

Answer 6

They lived through World War II and the Great Depression -- two very difficult times when there was tons of rationing. Obviously you've never stood in line to buy butter!

The other reason is that they keep things for sentimental value and for "just in case".

And, of course, some just get so overwhelmed with their accumulations that they have no idea how/where to begin and they were taught not to ask for help.

Answer 7

Many senior citizens lived during the Great Depression when many many things were scarce. They could just have been so surprised at the surplus of everything in the years after that that they kept whatever they could. My great grandmother had countless little hand towels (or tea towels) and handkerchiefs, way more than she needed. Things were saved I guess 'just in case.'

Answer 8

No matter what age you are, the reason it so hard to get rid of things is because you like what you have. I don't think it is good to be judgmental about other people, or their things. If you don't like taking care of someone else's things then tell them you don't want to do it, and help them find someone who will.

Answer 9

Our seniors today, were most likely living during the great depression. It was a time when there was very little, and they were taught to have a use for everything, and you discarded nothing. I think much of that stayed with them, and they live with that thinking today.

Answer 10

Subconscious and unconscious are pretty much the same thing.