Just as the body changes with age, the voice also changes with age, taking on a different timbre. So what factors influence these changes? And what can you do to keep your voice the same? We tell you all about it!
You don’t keep the same voice all your life. While it is undeniable that the voice becomes deeper as we leave childhood and adolescence, it continues to evolve as adults.
Just as the body and joints undergo the effects of time with age, the voice becomes less round and toned from the age of 55 onwards.
What is presbyopia?
A physiological phenomenon known as « presbyphonia ». It is caused by osteoarthritis, which eventually atrophies the muscles of the vocal cords as well as those of the larynx, the organ of phonation.
As a result, the voice becomes weaker, the vocal cords start to chevroter and the articulation loses flexibility, a change also linked to the loss of elastic fibers that generally occurs between the ages of 55 and 65.
How can I limit the ageing of my voice?
The voice ages naturally, but certain habits can help preserve it:
- limit tobacco and alcohol consumption, which impair respiratory capacity
- live in a pollution-free environment
- stimulate the vocal cords by singing or acting, for example. However, be careful not to overdo it, or you risk developing nodules!
- talk at least 3 to 4 hours a day
- drink plenty of water to lubricate the vocal cords and resonance box
- exercise to improve breathing capacity
- good dental hygiene for better articulation
- a diet rich in vitamin C and antioxidants to tone muscles and combat atrophy of the pharyngolaryngeal mucosa
- limit consumption of spicy foods, which promote gastric reflux