Worried About Grandfather - Silly Question???

you are a wonderful granddaughter!
yes, this is very normal. elderly people get into brain loops and logic has nothing to do with it. don't expect that being reasonable will have any effect. it doesn't mean he's losing it (although some mild dementia would be expected at his age) but this is just a pattern he's seized on and running with.
within reasonable limits, work with him. trashcans with good lids, a big bright trash collection schedule on the fridge, big Xs on the calendar and a promise that you will be there on the right days to help, etc. if he's really out of hand and trash getting knocked over (or, gods forbid, he accuses the neighbors of underhanded garbage sabotage) it may be time to intervene in his living arrangements. hopefully that's not the case yet.
but you rock for taking such good care of him.
khairete
S.

You're an awesome granddaughter!

This happens with a lot of elderly people. They kind of get "stuck" on a topic, task, etc.

I had a co-worker that had a mother that would stay up all night filling out Publisher's Clearinghouse paperwork, checking and re-checking it, etc.

It can be a sign of dementia or Alzheimers. Definitely mention his obsession to his doc.

As for putting his mind at ease, get him two new garbage cans and tell him they are secure and that the neighborhood does not allow trash to be put out any earlier than his neighbors do it for him. Might help a bit.
Keep your eyes peeled for any other compulsions and/or obsessions. He's lucky to have a devoted family member to see what's going on.
Good luck!

I don't think it's stubbornness on his part, I think (sorry to say) that he may be exhibiting signs of Alzheimer's or dementia. Obsessing, paranoia, and repetitive behavior that cannot be discouraged or redirected could signal the onset of either of these. When my Dad first began his long decline due to Alzheimer's, he would constantly check the doors and garage door to make sure they were locked, even after we reassured him that they were. We didn't think THAT much of it at the time, since that was the only "odd" behavior he exhibited for quite some time. Of course, hindsight is 20/20, and I wish now that we had intervened earlier, as soon as we noticed something was "off". I think you are right to be concerned, and wonderful that you check on him as frequently as you do. Continue to keep a close watch on him...if he continues and/or starts to exhibit more unusual behavior, I would suggest having him evaluated by a geriatric specialist. There are in-office tests that can be done to determine his level of cognitive ability (mini-mental test, for one) to see if and where he lands on the scale of dementia. There are medications that can help to slow down the progression of the disease, if that is indeed what he has. Good luck to you and your family.

Very often people at your grandfather's age start to "slip" mentally. Sometimes it's dementia or alzheimer's, but sometimes it's not even that serious -it's just a by-product of an aging brain. They do become obsessed with certain things because it helps them keep a toe-hold and feel like they're doing something useful. It wouldn't be a bad idea to take him for a check-up, especially if it's been awhile since he's seen the doctor. If he is sliding into dementia/alzheimer's territory, you'll have to keep a very close watch on him and make preparations for him to have live-in help or go live somewhere else. It's beyond dangerous for those folks to live on their own. If it's just age, maybe you could talk to him about some other interests he has that would keep his mind off the garbage. Anything from a DVD series he would enjoy (like Band of Brothers or The Pacific or a Ken Burns documentary) to crossword puzzles, books on tape or even something sensory like building or putting together models and puzzles. He may be okay mentally for his age, but really bored! This has been an issue with my 98 year old grandmother!

Yes it sounds normal.

My parents are a lot older than most people parents. My dads turns 89 in March. Older people can and will get fixated on the most odd type of things.
Ask him if he needs you to make a chart or mark the calendar. Try telling him if the can is out there to early then yes people will use it.

I know it is hard but I wouldn't start to worry unless the county or neighbors start to complain about the can being on the street a lot.

God Bless you for taking such interest in your granddad.
Hugs.

Yep, it's normal. My fil kept having to go into his garage to make sure people werent steeling his stuff, EVERY day. He will get many more compulsive behaviors that are not very rational and you will have to deal with each one individually. It is a sign tho that he might not be able to be left alone at all soon.

Sounds like dementia. Take your grandpa to the doctor and get an evaluation.