I observe this pattern wondering if that'll happen to me aswell...
2007-07-18 05:10:51 · 10 answers · asked by pietro94 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
As we grow older and our memories begin to lose that crispness of cognition and that clarity of vision, we begin to lose most memory fragments stored in our long term memory.
So, the stories we have to tell our only fragments of truth that we do remember and love to recall.
And, since new and exciting memories begin to tend toward zero as we tend toward our end, we can only look back at the good that we did and saw, rather than the grand experiences we are having now, or, in reality, not having.
2007-07-18 05:33:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As people get older they also get forgetful this would actually affect your question in two ways one they actually might forget that they have told you the story already.
Second and this is the important one sometimes telling a story lets the person relive and "remember" a good time in their lives. So when an older parent or grand parent is telling you a story remember they are sharing one of their happiest times with you!
I have lost grandparents and now in my mind reach for those stories that were told to me over and over and hope that I do the same with someone I love!
Thank you hope that helps and have a great day!
2007-07-18 05:19:20 · answer #2 · answered by Chrishunt7 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you have received the "why" answer already.
The only other thing that I wanted to add was that when they do this (old people) you just sit back and politely listen.
Not only is this valuable (even though at the time we may not realize it) but also think about their feelings. How would you feel if you told a story that was important to you and someone just brushed it off or acted irritated? Hurts doesn't it?
So just enjoy it while you can. You'll make their day and perhaps even yours!
2007-07-18 05:30:37 · answer #3 · answered by MoonGoddess 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I have observed this pattern as well. Sometimes it's because they are processing the reality of their fading memories of the past - and putting them into story form helps them relay the "truth as they see" it to those around them. But beware memories are very subjective and are often just as much based on wishful thinking as "truth and perspective". It is also a sign of depression and lonliness.
My grandmother was so famous for telling the same stories over and over - getting stuck on certain stories and retelling the story to every visitor or family member who would listen - that the listeners would compare the stores - and say - oh yeah, mom/grandma's on this story now. At her funeral (GRHS) - a family member said the most lovely thing about her over the grave - something like "Each one of us are a combination of the stories of our lives. She is now part of our story. She knew how to tell great stories and pass them on in oral tradition. Let us remember her stories and hold them as dear in our hearts as we hold her."
The oratory tradition - how truth becomes myth - is as old as human history itself.
2007-07-18 06:35:56 · answer #4 · answered by jodimode 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is natural it seems for people to become mentally stagnant with ageing and behave like a parrot, leading to the scenario you have suggested! Everyone has to go through this process at one time or the other, and there is no reason why you should be an exception!
2007-07-18 05:18:13 · answer #5 · answered by Sami V 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Along with alot of the other answers that you got, it could also be that they tell the story to so many people, they can't keep straight who they've told and who they haven't. I find myself doing this same thing on occasion, and I'm just in my 40's. Maybe it's a sign of things to come? Heaven help me! Lol.
2007-07-18 10:17:00 · answer #6 · answered by Lu 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Things get stuck in their head, they can't remember other things so they repeat what they do remember. I notice they also get disoriented. My great grnadpa walkled out of my uncle's house one day saying he was going to catch the ' street car" i.e. the trolly. He forgot the trolly's haven't been running for like 40 years.. it's really sad.
2007-07-18 05:16:35 · answer #7 · answered by Mandy H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
part of dementia is memory loss. They forget that they already told the story.
2007-07-18 05:18:42 · answer #8 · answered by Basketcase 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes they just forget that they've said it before, just listen anyway.
Sometimes they forget that they've said it before, just listen anyway.
2007-07-18 05:29:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Old people = lame which means they do stuff like repeat same story ova and ova again sux .... dun hav too much conversation wiz them lol.
2007-07-18 05:18:46 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋