We have spent time cleaning this weekend - inside and out. We concentrated on floors. I did most of the carpets with my Little green Machine.
I have over-done, but cleaning seems to be something I can control. It always fixes a problem and satisfies a need.

The current problem with floors is Girlfriend and it is getting worse daily. She is refusing to go outside for elimination. Or when she does head there, will do her duty on either side of the door; inside or just outside - on the landing.
This dog has been one of the best, as far as going outside, for years. This has never been an issue with her before, ever. I know the stairs aren't a problem for her.
She just ran downstairs to hide when a few minutes ago, I stepped barefoot into a new wet spot on the deck. I'm now keeping the gate shut so she can't go downstairs anytime she wants. When I go to work tomorrow Girlfriend and Kizzie will be locked in our bedroom.
Rand and I have debated whether stress is affecting her - but we tend to agree it is a serious sign of her age.
It's getting a bit scary thinking about it.
There's is no right answer on the subject of how old is too old. But we do believe at some point we do need to make the humane decision for our old friends.

Kizzie is a dog of little brain and which means less worrying about rules. She is the reason I have my green machine. She will go outside willingly, but if you're late getting home from work - No problem. She has no guilt association with her doings.
But Kizzie is losing her eyesight and hearing. She is handling this by barking at everything that might have a noise. And running full speed until her head hits something.