We have a 11 year old staffordshire bull terrier, who recently has been waking us during the night at different times by scratching at door down stairs, sometimes wanting to go out to do his business other times not. We have tried changing meal times, distance of walks instead of 2 long walks he now gets shorter but more often 3 to 4 times a day including one before bed time. When let outside during the night he sometimes just stands there doing nothing until you call him back in. the only way he will settle is if one us sleeps downstairs on th sofa, then he often goes back to bed or sleeps in the sitting room.

I have a dog but he is younger then your dog. Listen I think he either is having problem holding his bladder/urine or it sound like he knows if he whine a ittle bit at night you will let him go out haha. So now he is doing that over and over again. Imo I think you should ignores him and let him see you will not fall for it, but only do that if you know he just used bathroom and really doesn't need to go. Maybe have his bladder checked then

Older dogs can become disoriented, have sleep problems, become forgetful and have aches and pains, just like people.

I would speak to the Vet, see if he's in good health and then determine the best course of action. Sometimes (particularly you've owned the dog for a while and can "read" him) and you KNOW he's just asking for attention you can ignore him. If he settled down when you are near he may just need/want more "company/companionship" now that he's older.

I'd first be sure he's physically okay before even thinking about ignoring him.