How is your voice affected by aging?

The quality of our voices is linked to aging and should be maintained to avoid social isolation and depression, a team of experts say.

Ruth Epstein, a consultant speech and language therapist in London, says: “It is surprising that the voice is part of the aging process, but it is. "Age, it's obviously affected as well."

As we age, our voices can become quieter and less expressive, with a constant trembling.

These changes can have far-reaching effects, even leading to depression.

“Many people accept that their voice becomes weaker as they age, and they become isolated and less communicative,” Epstein explains. “There is a deep emotional impact and multiple reasons for these changes.”

She adds: “There is also a decrease in muscle mass that begins to affect the speed and endurance of the laryngeal muscles, which control the volume and strength of the voice. The sensitivity of these muscles decreases because they shrink with age, affecting their ability to contract. This can make our voices sound worse.” Hoarse.”

The voice expert continued: “Meanwhile, a decrease in hyaluronic acid in the tissues (which acts as a lubricant), combined with age-related muscle atrophy, leads to thinner and stiffer vocal folds. Mucus production is also reduced and our lung capacity is diminished, which can change "Our voices."

Experts pointed out that women's voices are more susceptible to aging, because their vocal cords are more sensitive.

Epstein advises the need to protect the vocal cords by avoiding fast food or eating right before bed.

She says that increasing water drinking to 7 or 8 cups a day, and inhaling steam, can help maintain the vocal cords. If you use your voice professionally, your muscles will be more flexible.

It is worth noting that research published last year in the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology found that 20% of elderly people suffer from a voice disorder, in which the voice becomes unclear.