Senility is such a dull word compared with its lyrical synonym twichild (or twychild) which literally means second childhood. Poet (and former Irish Attorney General) John Davies noted in 1612’s Muse’s Sacrifice: “Man growne twychild is at door of death.” Etymology: English abbreviation of ‘Twice a child’, often pronounced ‘Twichel’.

“Despite his nocturnal ramblings, the staff all agreed that Douglas was a placid, good-natured twichild. His simple delight was infectious and he bestowed his smiles on all.”