Betty -

Can it be that the these outer leaves just naturally die from old age?

How long ago you repotted it? May be it is a time to do it - and inspect the roots at the same time = if it is a root rot - you can cut off the root ball and reroot the crown under the dome or baggie. The fact that the plant is blooming doesn't prove that it is healthy. Sometimes it is a last try to send seeds before the collapse.

Good Luck

irina