I'd be trying IV antibiotics for sure. If he comes good, maybe he could head back to the verandah and enjoy his paper again.
My mum who is 88 got a chest infection. Very quickly ended up in hospital. It didn't look good for a few days there.
Anyhow, she came good and is back driving her car, visiting friends and enjoying life. She has lots of health issues, but in your 80's you're going to aren't you?
If you're going to try antibiotics, then unless there are other reasons, you would go for IV for the best outcome.
