AGELESS VOICES

by Sibel Tuzun for Age UK Richmond

SUPPORTING THE VOICE THROUGH LATER LIFE
Ageless Voices is a 5-week course and a gentle, practical voice training programme for adults aged 55+, designed to support age-related voice changes and everyday vocal comfort.
The programme takes place in Twickenham and has been shaped by the lived voice experiences, questions and needs shared by adults in the local community.

WHY VOICES CHANGE OVER TIME
The voice, like the rest of the body, changes over time.
These changes often develop gradually and may only become noticeable later on.

Many people describe this experience as:
“I don’t sound like myself anymore.”

Common experiences may include:
• vocal fatigue during conversation
• reduced volume or clarity
• needing to repeat yourself more often
• running out of breath before finishing a sentence
• frequent, shallow breathing
• reduced clarity in articulation
• your voice not carrying clearly to others
• your voice sounding tight or strained
• vocal instability or occasional cracking
• hoarseness or dryness
• changes in singing range or ease

These experiences are widely shared and familiar to many people.
They also point to how the voice can be supported through informed, practical voice work.

WHAT IS AGELESS VOICES?
Ageless Voices offers educational, experience-led voice training, focusing on:
• supporting age-related vocal change
• improving everyday speaking clarity and comfort
• encouraging sustainable and confident voice use
• promoting long-term vocal wellbeing

The work is educational in nature.
The programme begins with how your voice is currently functioning.

Following two fully booked groups last year, the programme returns in 2026 in response to continued interest.

WHO IS THIS FOR?
• adults aged 55+
• Richmond upon Thames residents
• those noticing changes in their speaking or singing voice
• those interested in vocal longevity and everyday vocal comfort

BOOKING & ENQUIRIES
Ageless Voices has been delivered at Age UK Richmond in Twickenham over the past two years.

To join the waiting list for upcoming courses, you can contact Age UK Richmond:
Phone: 020 8744 1965
Email: wellbeing@ageukrichmond.org.uk

For partnerships or delivery of the programme in other Age UK centres, care homes or community settings:
twoflowersinthegrass@gmail.com

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
You are welcome to contact Age UK Richmond to express your interest or join the waiting list for upcoming courses.

FURTHER READING
If you would like to explore this topic further, you are welcome to read Sibel Tuzun’s article “Voice Changes After 65: When Being Heard Becomes Hard”.

IMPORTANT NOTE
This programme is educational in nature and does not replace medical advice.
Persistent, sudden or concerning voice changes can be discussed with a GP or a Speech and Language Therapist.