I've had only one cat in my lifetime to live to be that old, but when he started getting cataracts, couldn't hear as well, even my stubborn dad (who isn't a huge cat fan) said he needed to stay indoors. Tigger used a litter box for the last couple of years of his life, and had help jumping to the counter to eat his food, and eventually died in his sleep at age 18.

Maybe your neighbors think that this boy is only happy if he gets to go outside. They have obviously done something right over the years, so I wouldn't hesitate to tell them what you notice. Many of us who allow our cats to go in and out are guilty of not watching them once they go outside. Maybe that's what is happening. He asks to go out, and they let him, and they never realize just how confused he is. If you talk to them about the near misses with the cars and his lying in the road, they really may appreciate it, especially if you approach them from concern.

I hope you can find a way to discuss this with them. Bless his sweet heart. Makes me think of the beautiful 18 year old Cat of the Day today, Joey.