As they mature, Dragons display various signs of aging. These include greying of the muzzle, stiffening of the joints and, occasionally, loss of teeth. However, the former may be related to the rigours of Threadfall and training.
During a Gold Dragon's lifetime, it is common that one or two 'dead' eggs are produced, but as she ages they may become more numerous. A Gold may also stop producing clutches or rising to mate.
It has never been known for a Dragon to die of old age. Nevertheless, Dragons who lose their lifemates do suicide, although it is not necessarily so vice versa. Although Dragonless Riders are generally considered to be 'half-people', female Riders seem to find solace more easily than males, supplementing their loss with children. Other Riders find solace in Firelizard partnerships.