ABSTRACT

Hydration is of crucial importance to the voice. Muscles are inevitably less strong and supple as the years go by. A fitness and exercise regime can help to maintain the necessary strength to support the voice. Sustaining very long phrases in one breath becomes a little more problematic. Lung capacity is not quite what it was. When one is older, one strives to retain energy, balance, flexibility and mobility. Ageing in the public eye makes one especially vulnerable – one’s insecurities are on show and there is nowhere to hide. The ever-present media attention adds to the strain. A measure of confidence does indeed come with experience. Presenting one’s original creative work to critical scrutiny at any age requires courage. To be happy in one’s personal life is crucial. The freelance life makes one resourceful of necessity – there can be no thought of retirement.