6 tips for voice health care for elderly silver haired people

        As people age, many may notice that their skin becomes sagging and their joints become less flexible, but they may not necessarily notice that their "voice" becomes hoarse, weak, and loses its original tone due to aging. Aging vocal cords may cause hoarseness, monotony, and even fatigue after prolonged speech due to thinning and loss of elasticity. In severe cases, there may even be problems with trembling voice, difficulty controlling pitch or volume, which not only affects communication but may also lead to negative emotions such as inferiority complex and anxiety, thus reducing interaction with others. In fact, as long as appropriate health measures are taken, vocal cord aging can be delayed and voice can be improved. In this issue of "Health Column", we will introduce you to six tips for silver haired people to maintain a healthy voice.

                1. Keep the vocal cords moist

        Keeping the vocal cords moist is crucial for the health of the voice. If they are too dry, the fluctuations of the vocal cord mucosa will be difficult to stabilize, making it difficult to produce pleasant sounds. Therefore, silver haired individuals should develop the habit of drinking water regularly, especially before speaking or singing. In addition, beverages containing caffeine and alcohol can cause dehydration, further exacerbating vocal cord dryness, and should be consumed in moderation.

        2. Moderate use of sound

        Moderate use of voice is the key to maintaining vocal cord health. In the absence of other throat infections and symptoms, it is recommended to speak or sing in moderation every day to avoid vocal cord atrophy due to lack of use. Of course, excessive use of voice should also be avoided, which can cause vocal cord fatigue.

        3. Receive voice training

        Exercising the body can maintain muscle health, and appropriate vocal exercises can also help maintain the elasticity and strength of the vocal cords. Silver haired individuals can do some simple vocal exercises under the guidance of a speech therapist to help maintain good vocal cords and improve resonance, making their voice more penetrating.

        4. Pay attention to suction and exercise

        Scream is the driving force behind vocal function, and when it becomes shallow and rapid, it can affect the stability of the voice. Therefore, it is recommended to practice deep breathing every day and maintain moderate exercise habits to enhance lung capacity and overall breathing control ability, thereby promoting voice health.

        5. Avoid irritating substances

        Harmful substances in smoke can cause serious damage to vocal cords, and smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke should be avoided. In addition, avoiding excessive consumption of spicy food and overheated drinks can also reduce the chance of throat irritation.

        6. Regular inspection

        Voice health, like other health issues, requires regular check ups. Silver haired individuals may consider regularly visiting an otolaryngology department to have their voice checked. Especially when there are abnormal changes in their voice, early medical attention should be sought to help take timely measures and prevent the problem from worsening.

        Conclusion

        Voice is an important tool for human communication with the world, and maintaining a good state is particularly important for the silver haired generation. Through appropriate health measures, voice aging can be delayed and a healthy voice can be maintained. The most important thing is to face the changes in voice with the correct mindset, understand that it is a natural aging process, and continue to enjoy the pleasure of communicating with others through appropriate exercise and health care. In addition, you can also seek the help of a speech therapist to tailor a voice care plan for yourself to protect your voice's long-term health.

        Dr. Voice website: https://www.voicedoctor.tw/

        Oriental Petrochemical (Taiwan) Voice Team FB: https://www.facebook.com/DrWangChiTe/

        Voice Protection Practice Video: https://youtu.be/va0JT9TN7QY?si=iTz7OQqKWPKago6T

        *Dr. Wang Kaide's expertise includes hoarseness in thyroid disease, vocal cord injection, green light laser, microsurgery, and minimally invasive surgery for the nose and sinuses.

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