VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[Ed Fisher]

How does aging affect the voice?

Does getting older mean that ultimately your VO career is limited to "old man' cartoon characters?

I've notice so many of the elderly have what could only be described as a "whisper" of a voice left.

Is this inevitable and if not, how can it be prevented?

I know this borders on being a medical question. But, I think we might have some folks here who have some practical experience with this.

Thanks.
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"I reserve the right to be completely wrong."

[Scott Pollak]

I'm 59 and have been 'voicing' since my 20's, when I worked in radio.

I think my voice can still easily fit into the 40's age range and above, but certainly not below that. Besides being more mellow as I've aged, the biggest thing is change in energy level. Sure, I CAN still deliver the monster truck style read, although it was NEVER my forte', but it's harder for me to and I don't enjoy it. And it hurts my throat.

I believe it's dependent on each individual. There are 80 year olds whose voices sound like they're MUCH younger, and 60 year olds who sound much older. Obviously smoking greatly affects your sound and vocal cords (I don't smoke).

I've always found it interesting that to a large degree, the SOUND of one's voice often doesn't seem to age in proportion to the rest of one's body. Close your eyes sometime when watching TV and see if you can accurately guess a character's age merely by the sound of their voice. While you often CAN, I'll bet there are a bunch of times you'll be off by a decade or two.

But for me, now, I limit myself to the jobs my voice, vocal cords, and energy level (or lack thereof!) are most comfortable with, mostly of a story-telling nature.
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Scott R. Pollak
Clients include Pandora, NPR Atlanta, Wells Fargo, Cisco, Humana, Publix, UPS, AT&T, HP, Xerox and more.

www.voicebyscott.com

[ballenberg]

Come on there, Clutter! I see that avatar. You can't be a day over 11.

[Frank F]

Well, I will say that with all the yelling at you youngsters my voice has softened a bit. But, like a fine wine; I keep getting better with age!

Frank F
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Be thankful for the bad things in life. They opened your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before. email: thevoice@usa.com

[melissa eX]

People have been confusing my mom with me on the phone for more than 20 years. They still do. She's 87.

[Philip Banks]

At age 13 my voice celebrated its 50th birthday and has stayed there ever since.

[Lee Gordon]

I'm a bit older than Scott (almost 65) but am in a similar situation. I still audition, and occasionally get booked, for jobs that specify "young adult." But that is probably more likely to be the result of what someone's perception of "young" is. If the job specs call for Gen X, Gen Y, Millennial, or "young & hip," I pass. I lick my chops when I see a job listed as "senior" but despite being one, generally make a conscious effort to sound older than I am.

And unlike Melissa's situation, people hearing my mother's voice don't confuse it for mine. However, if you had a chat with her on the phone, you would probably never guess from listening to her that she's 93 years old.
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Lee Gordon, O.A.V.
Voice President of the United States
www.leegordonproductions.com
Twitter: @LeeGordonVoice

[Jen Gosnell]

Hormone changes like the ones Philip had at 13 affect adult voices in mid-late life as well. Both men and women experience such changes, though more is heard about menopause than andropause.

Here's an article from an expert singing teacher about symptoms that menopause can bring in the female voice and his experiences helping singers weather the changes and/or reverse problems. The exercises that he mentions involve singing and not the speaking voice specifically, but obviously the two are related and it may provide some insight to consider, whether you are male or female.

The takeaway, regardless of singing or speaking being the focus, is that keeping the voice in shape is important. It may help to work with an expert who can diagnose your individual issues. They should provide exercises that will help strengthen and rebuild weaknesses triggered by hormonal changes and/or the possible pre-existing bad habits the aging process may exacerbate.
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jen@jengosnell.com
https://www.jengosnell.com
Skype: jen.gosnell
971.258.2448

[Chuck Davis]

I've found that, as years go by, I've developed more texture and rasp. It's turned out to be quite bookable.

While I can sound, and am often mistaken for, a younger performer, I don't really audition for anything younger than 30's.

I'm 56.
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Wicked huge.....in India.
www.chuckdaviscreative.com

[Rick Riley]

I'm 115, but I book jobs looking for people half my age, all the time!
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Never do anything you wouldn't want to explain to the Paramedics

www.rickrileyvoice.com

[Lee Gordon]

You don't look a day over 112.
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Lee Gordon, O.A.V.
Voice President of the United States
www.leegordonproductions.com
Twitter: @LeeGordonVoice

[Jen Gosnell]

Here's something else I happened to run across today. Another thing that may be relvant with unexpected vocal changes is medications.
_________________
jen@jengosnell.com
https://www.jengosnell.com
Skype: jen.gosnell
971.258.2448

[Ed Fisher]

Thanks for this info Jen.

Very valuable.

I even wonder if Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and GERD (conditions that seem to be more prevalent in older persons) might also be a factor.
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"I reserve the right to be completely wrong."

[Rick Riley]

It's a little late now, because HE'S a little late now, but I'd say, 'talk to Hal Douglas'.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8Yi93AFBJM
_________________
Never do anything you wouldn't want to explain to the Paramedics

www.rickrileyvoice.com

[SoundsGreat-Elaine Singer]