I believe it is all age related, whether there may be some age related deafness, sight, or aches and pains etc he clearly has become more clingy.
My boy is 14 and while he has always been like velcro in his attachment to me he has become 100% more so. As I type this he is curled up next to me, he wants reassurance that he can see or feel and be close. His sight is not what it was and he is much deafer than I realised, plus he has medication due to an underlying problem.
Yes my life has changed by my dog aging but his devotion to me over the years has been unconditional and I will adapt the best way I can to give him a quality of life in his old age and my hubby is aware of this - he is the one who sleeps in the spare bedroom if needed
I know this is not a great answer for you - but the love and closeness that Ollie and I have each day I cherish, and he still finds so much joy in his life and enjoys his little life and I am sure Carlo will.