* "In his dotage, the once-renowned artist produced only abstract, barely recognizable works." (This implies the artist's decline in skill due to old age.)
* "Her dotage was marked by periods of confusion and forgetfulness, but her spirit remained bright." (This emphasizes the emotional state despite the physical decline of old age.)
* "The old man's dotage was a source of both sadness and amusement for his family." (This shows the duality of how the elderly can be both fragile and endearing in their later years.)
Dotage refers to the state of mental and physical decline that often comes with old age. It can be used to describe a person's general state of decline or to refer to specific instances of forgetfulness, confusion, or impaired judgment.
It's important to use the word with sensitivity, as it can be considered a negative term. When using "dotage," try to focus on the individual's resilience and personality rather than their decline.