From
http://www.barbershop.org/web/groups/public/documents/pages/pub_id_059821.hcsp
How many 75-year-old men do you see in the 100-yard dash at the Olympics? Well ... none. But in this hobby, senior members can still compete and participate if they take proper care of their voices.
You may be asking yourself, “Why is this 32-year-old upstart writing about the aging voice?” I like to tell people that I’ve researched this topic so that I could better contribute in rehearsals after an “old guy” joined Uptown Sound. The truth is, I’ve been studying the voice throughout 15 years as a Barbershopper, and especially when I was a music education major at Bowling Green State University. I’ve studied the aging voice for many reasons, including the fact that I have a special responsibility to help the older singers in The Alliance Chorus, which I direct. Likewise, I’ve had to research this topic to better teach older members of my vocal techniques classes at Harmony College and HEP schools. Last, I’m preparing for my sunset years of this hobby; none of us is getting any younger!
It’s not your imagination: your voice really does change as you age
The good news for older singers is that studies show that the male voice, like fine wine, can get better with age. It keeps maturing until around 45, and with proper care can remain stable until at least age 65—and sometimes to age 80 and beyond.
The not-so-good news is that your voice definitely changes as you grow older. For example, the following ravages on the aging voice will make it weaker and less flexible:
* By age 65, the cartilages of the larynx ossify, or turn to less flexible bone, which makes your voice less bendable as well.
* The cartilages responsible for vocal fold movement become less mobile.
* There is often a thinning of the fibers in the vocal folds.
* There is often atrophy of the vocalis muscle, which controls the flip between head and chest voice.
* Changes to the neurological control of the laryngeal muscles can cause bowing (a state where the vocal folds do not come together completely). That gap during vocal production will decrease the control and quality of the voice, making it sound breathy, rough, hoarse and softer.
* The pitch of the voice tends to lower for women and rise for men. (Sorry basses.)
You can minimize the effects of aging
You can’t merely will away the above changes; however, good overall vocal health can minimize the negative effect, allowing you to remain a great singer even into your golden years. As you grow older, you’ll need to pay especially close attention to the following:
* Always use proper vocal technique when you sing or speak. This is important for young singers, too, but more important for older singers, who can rely less on their body’s recovery ability to compensate for poor singing and speaking techniques.
* Do not misuse or overuse your singing or speaking voice. If you are vocally tired or too exhausted to use good vocal technique, take a break. Occasional hoarseness is normal, but as you grow older, recovery from vocal abuse will become longer and more difficult.
* If you have abused your voice, know that most abuse is treatable. However, see a speech pathologist or voice instructor to help establish proper techniques and routines to minimize future misuse and injury.
* Focus on changes in voice quality or endurance. Some changes indicate the presence of serious diseases, some of which could become permanent if not diagnosed and treated.
* Do not smoke.
* Drink a lot of water—64 ounces a day is recommended to keep your body and vocal folds properly hydrated.
* Receive occasional checkups for nodes, polyps, tumors or cysts on the folds. There are many non-invasive treatments possible so surgery is not often necessary. If needed, surgical options include microsurgical removal of growths on the folds. Implants or injections (Botox) into the folds strengthen the voice in cases in which they are bowed or paralyzed.
* Get prompt, thorough vocal treatment if you are diagnosed with or believe you may have chronic acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or laryngopharyngeal reflux disease, neurological disorders, thyroid disorders, hormonal imbalance or paralyzed folds.
* Moderate your intake of citrus, tomato juice, coffee, onions, chocolate, peppermint, garlic, alcohol and foods high in fat.
* Do not overeat or go to bed within two or three hours after a meal. This practice, along with weight gain, smoking and alcohol, has been linked to a variety of vocal conditions caused by reflux disorders.
* So take care of your body and voice, sing well, sing from the heart and have fun! Healthy habits can add years of wonderful singing and enjoyment to our hobby!
***
There is only one thing wrong with this article. Somehow, I can't picture Michael Jackson singing barbershop....:toofunny:
lol
