My 11 year old cat has become really needy?

We've had this cat since he was 6, and he's never been this needy. For the past two or three months he's always wanted to be on someone's lap, he constantly wants to be petted, and he'll follow you from room to room. I'm concerned because he changed so suddenly, and he is getting up there in age. Is he trying to tell me something? Should I take him to the vet to get checked out?