化ける

1. ichidan verb, intransitive to take the form of (esp. in ref. to a spirit, fox, raccoon dog, etc.); to assume the shape of; to turn oneself into; to transform oneself into
2. to disguise oneself (as)
3. to change (into); to transform; to metamorphose
4. to change radically (for the better); to transform; to improve dramatically and unexpectedly (e.g. of an actor, sportsperson, stock price); to make a complete turnaround

ふける also 老ける

1. ichidan verb, intransitive to age; to grow old (esp. in appearance); to show marks of age