The voice in old age: 10 steps to keep it healthy

When you reach old age, you may have noticed that your voice does not sound like it used to. This change suffered by the voice in old age is called presbyphony. It obeys the natural changes that occur in the larynx as a natural part of the aging process.

The larynx and vocal cords can vibrate more or less depending on the constitution of each person, but also on their age. With the passage of time they lose elasticity and collagen fibers.

What is the vocal footprint?

Each person has his own voice, which identifies him and makes him unique and, for this reason, you have to take care of it. What is known as the vocal footprint is determined by the shape of the superior laryngeal tract, which is different in each person. For this reason, the resonance of the voice is also different, even in old age.

Hormones are involved in the voice change process: testosterone in men and estrogen in women. In old age, testosterone decreases in men and the voice sharpens again. While in women, on the contrary, it becomes slightly more severe by estrogens.

5 changes you can notice in the voice in old age

As you get older, your voice can have a very different character. Although many adults retain their youthful voice in old age, There are some common changes that can be noticed:

1. Sounds thinner: the sound of the voice is less resonant. The vocal cords inside the larynx become thinner and less flexible. This is because they suffer muscle loss over time and do not vibrate as before.
2. Your voice sounds rougher: Your voice requires effective vibration to make its sound 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.
3. Sounds less loud: Aging also affects the projection and volume of the voice. In addition, people with altered respiratory systems may notice that their voice is lower.
4. Change of tone: changes in tone may also be due to atrophy of the muscles in the vocal cords and, in women, may be due in part to hormonal changes.
5. Vocal fatigue: If your voice starts strong, but fades throughout the day, vocal fatigue may be the culprit. 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 remedy to avoid problems in the voice and take care of it. Here are some tips to take care of your voice and prevent pathologies that can affect the organs of the voice:

1. Don't force your voice and don't scream.
2. Avoid very noisy sites and don't try to talk over the noise when you're in them.
3. Do not smoke or remain in smoke environments, irritate the larynx.
4. Try not to clear your throat.
5. If you have a cold, allergy or cough frequently, consult a specialist to receive the appropriate treatment.
6. If you suffer hoarseness or aphonia, and lasts more than 10 days, go to the specialist.
7. Hydrate properly: You should drink about two liters of water a day. In this way, the mucosa that covers the vocal cords will be properly hydrated.
8. Get adequate rest: Body fatigue is reflected in the voice, especially if you need the voice for your work.
9. Whenever possible, Try not to speak more than four hours in a row, or sing more than two, since it hurts the vocal cords.
10. Limit the consumption of alcohol and caffeine, They dehydrate the vocal folds. In addition, try to maintain a balanced diet avoiding spicy foods and dairy products that can affect the voice.

Discover: The 9 best natural remedies to take care of the voice and throat

conclusion

About the change of voice in old age is not yet known enough to realize a prevention strategy. Although the practice of good hygiene and follow the advice we have given you It will help you keep your voice in old age.