Want to keep your voice sounding young? Sing along to your favorite song! — Getty Images
En español l A quick hello is all it takes for others to form a snap judgment of you, according to a 2014 study whose authors found that it takes no more than that one-word greeting for a listener to decide how likable and trustworthy you are. And, accurate or not, those instant impressions often stick.
As you enter your 60s and 70s, your voice starts to change. Your vocal folds weaken, cartilage in the larynx begins to ossify, and your respiratory system (which helps power your voice) begins to work less efficiently. The result? Men's voices go up, and women's go down. You may start to sound breathy or wobbly or hoarse. It's a common part of growing older, but it can affect how others think of you and how you think of yourself.
Don't let it. Here's a secret that voice experts say few people know: There's plenty you can do to keep sounding young and strong. Even better, many voice exercises are easy and require little time. Keep at them and your "Hello" may sound just like it always has.
Gradual voice changes are a normal part of aging, but it's not a bad idea to consult an ear, nose and throat specialist to rule out health problems. Hoarseness, for example, can be a sign of chronic acid reflux, Parkinson's disease and other neurological conditions, and laryngeal cancer.
1. Have fun with a straw
Like other muscles in your body, your vocal folds need exercise to stay fit. So does your respiratory system. Here's a simple workout for both: Grab a straw and hum into it. "It helps stretch and strengthen the muscles of the voice," explains Eric Hunter, an associate professor of communicative sciences and disorders at Michigan State University in East Lansing. Start with a wide straw and progress to a smaller one, such as a coffee stirrer, as your voice gets stronger. Warm up with simple "hmmm, hmmm" hums, then vary your pitch by imitating a siren. Do this for about 10 minutes a day. Stop sooner if your voice feels fatigued. As with any exercise, you'll build stamina over time.
2. Practice your storytelling
Reading aloud keeps your voice working, and that's crucial to vocal health, according to Aaron Johnson, an assistant professor of voice and speech science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. " 'Use it or lose it' applies to the voice," he says. "Do you start your day with the newspaper? Read one article out loud each morning — to your spouse, your pet or just yourself. You may feel shy or a little silly about it at first, but it's a great way to build some regular voice use into your day."
Next page: The benefits of healthy singing. »
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