question about aging

[wonderrodent]

I know many of you have/had rats that died of "just" old age (and not an illness).
I was wondering around what rat age you guys usually notice that your rats really are old now. Sometimes you can just see a sudden change in their behavior (I am not talking about illness but just pure old age).
Two weeks ago I noticed that Sophie suddenly acted older - she sleeps a lot more, she loves to hang out with me and getting petted. She stays in one spot for a long time. Not lethargic but just not up for much. She also has HED (it's not too bad) and unfortunately, I have to have her teeth clipped frequently. So I don't know if it's that (HED and teeth annoying her) or if it's age related.
I am asking because I am trying to figure out if Sophie might be older than I think.

 

[Chevalrose]

I've recently noticed my 20 month old starting to have the symptoms of old age. Thinning out, sleeping more, etc. I'd say they started slowing down around 18ish months, but he's just not starting to get the old man look to him. I'm pretty sure it was around this age for Gus (RIP) and Clooney (RIP) too.

The majority of the time rats don't die of just old age, but an infection or illness because they are more susceptible to them as they get older.

 

[eagle]

Most of mine are rescues of unknown age but I seem to see aging at around 20-24 months. The boys seem to age faster than the girls for me.

 

[wonderrodent]

Chevalrose, you mentioned "old man (old woman) look". I think that's what I was looking for. I've seen all my girls aging but I guess what I meant was when they get really old (for a rat - so about 34 - 36 months). I only had one girl that made it to 3 years and 1 month without any illness (as far as I know). Like I said, I am trying to figure out if Sophie is a little older than I might think. But now I am starting to think there might be something else wrong with her, not only old age. I know it's often hard to see the difference between just old age and illness since rats often hide illnesses.

Really, eagle? The boys seem to age faster?

 

[Godmother]

When mine get old, they usually lose weight and their fur thins out. They walk a little more slowly and sleep more. I have only had three boys until very recently, but they did age faster than the girls it seems. I've only had four rats make it past age three; all were girls.

 

[jorats]

Sometimes in mine... it's like out of the blue, one day they become old. They adjust, they rest more... and lots more cuddles from me.