Learn To Take Care Of Your Voice In Old Age
It is important to take care of the voice. You may have noticed that your voice does not sound like it used to, now that you have reached old age. Presbyphony is the name of this change. It refers to the natural changes that occur in the larynx as part of the aging process.
The larynx and vocal cords can vibrate more or less, depending on the composition of the individual, but also their age. Over time, they lose elasticity and collagen fibers.
The footprint of your voice
Each person has their own voice that identifies them and makes them unique. For this reason, we need to take care of it. What is called the footprint of the voice is determined by the shape of the larynx, which differs from person to person. For this reason, the resonance of sound is also different, even in old age.
Hormones are involved in the process of voice change: testosterone in men and estrogen in women. In old age, testosterone decreases in men, and the voice sharpens again. In women, it gets a little deeper due to estrogen.
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5 changes you may notice in your voice in old age
As you get older, your voice may get a very different sound. Although many adults retain their youthful voice in old age, some common changes may be noticed in others:
- It sounds thinner. The sound of the voice is less resonant. The vocal cords in the larynx become thinner and less flexible. This is because they suffer muscle loss over time and do not vibrate as before.
- Your voice sounds louder. Your voice requires effective vibration for the sound to be clear. Therefore, anything that interferes with the closure of the strings and is harmful to the larynx will result in a rough and hoarse voice.
- It sounds less powerful. Aging also affects the projection and volume of the sound. People with altered respiratory organs may also notice that their voice is lower.
- There is a change in tone. Changes in tone can also be due to atrophy of the muscles of the vocal cords, and in women it may be due in part to hormonal changes.
- There is more vocal fatigue. If your voice starts strong but fades during the day, vocal fatigue may be to blame. Like any fatigue, voice fatigue is related to use.
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10 tips to take care of your voice in old age
Prevention is the best way to avoid voice problems and to take care of the voice. Here are some tips to take care of your voice and prevent pathologies that can affect the organs of your voice:
- Do not strain your voice and do not scream.
- Avoid very noisy places and try not to talk about noise when you are around it.
- Do not smoke and do not stay in a smoky environment that irritates the larynx.
- Try to avoid escaping.
- If you often suffer from colds, allergies or coughs, consult a specialist for appropriate treatment.
- If you suffer from hoarseness or aphonia and it lasts more than 10 days, go to specialist.
- Stay properly hydrated. You should drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day. In this way, the mucous membrane covering the vocal cords is hydrated.
- Get adequate rest. Body fatigue is reflected in the voice, especially if you need the voice for work.
- Whenever possible, try not to speak for more than four hours in a row or to sing for more than two hours, as this will damage the vocal cords.
- Limit the consumption of alcohol and caffeine as they dehydrate the vocal cords. Also, try to maintain a balanced diet and avoid spicy foods and dairy products that can affect your voice.
Conclusion on taking care of the voice
Changes in the voice in old age have not yet been studied well enough to prescribe a complete prevention strategy. However, good hygiene and following the advice we have given you will help you keep your voice in top shape as you get older.
