Aging. It happens to all of us. But to an explorer of dangerous tombs, horrifying catacombs, haunted castles and perilous caverns premature aging is bound to occur. And sometimes aging is initiated by darker forces of magic and the vile forces of the undead!

Wizards only get to be old if they are wise during their adventures

Aging in Advanced Dungeons and Dragons

A few things could cause premature aging in 1st Edition. Some of these might include:

Seeing a ghost could age a person

Being touched by a ghost could age them further

The touch of a staff of withering

A potion of longevity reduces the age of a character

Casting a wish spell

Casting a alter reality spell

Casting a limited wish spell

Casting a resurrection spell

Casting a restoration spell

Under a haste spell

Taking a potion of speed

Casting a gate spell

Aging

For many non human characters these effects were virtually meaningless as their life spans were far greater than their human counterparts. A dwarf, for example, might live 450 years. An elf might live as long as 2000 years depending upon the specific type. Gnomes were known to live as long as 700 years. Human life spans were far shorter than most of these others. So age changing magic had a more drastic effect upon humans than these other races.

Aging in 5th Edition

Strangely the 5th Edition Dungeon Master Guide is nearly silent on the subject. The description of the Ghost in the Monster Manual no longer has an aging effect for a person touched by a ghost. Instead the touch of a Ghost does necrotic damage. The casting of a wish also does necrotic damage rather than causing aging. The sight of a ghost still causes a person to age if they fail a saving throw. However, a person so aged, appears to have no serious negative personal effect from being so aged.

Presumably the designers from WOTC just decided to remove aging as an effect from the game entirely. Except for one thing that I could find that is. There is still a potion of longevity and it still reduces the age of the imbiber. But why would one need this in 5th Edition if nothing seems to age you prematurely. One other thing that I found that specifically causes premature aging in 5th Edition is the table on page 298 of the DMG which gives possible “trick” effects from objects interacted with in a dungeon.

This dude has been around a while. Perhaps that potion he is carrying is a potion of longevity

I did, however, find a 3rd party document with suggestions on the effects of aging for use with 5th Edition Dungeons and Dragons.

Effects of Aging

Curing Aging in Dungeons and Dragons

Curing aging had no specific mechanics. Both editions offer the potion of longevity as an option. Restoration, heal, cure disease have no effect. A wish might. But then the person bestowing the wish takes age from doing so.

Other Possible Causes of Premature Aging

As mentioned the mere sight of some legendary creatures caused potential aging. Perhaps seeing a god might cause it. Or a powerful devil or demon perhaps. Both editions offer the possibility of tricks causing aging. Touching an evil altar or idol might perhaps cause aging to someone of another alignment. Perhaps some other creatures might bestow aging as a weapon. A dragon that uses aging as a breath weapon might be interesting. Creatures from the plane of time might also be good candidates for using age as a weapon. Curses seem like a possible method. And of course….magic. If there can be a potion of longevity then certainly there could be a potion of aging as well.

Seeing a ghost can cause premature aging