Singers need to take extra care of their voices as they get older. Here are 10 tips for vocalists older than 50, from Wendy Zaro-Mullins, Ph.D., an associate professor of voice at the University of Minnesota:
• Get eight to nine hours of sleep nightly.
• Drink at least 64 ounces of water daily, 80 to 90 ounces as you get older. Drink throughout the day, not just right before you perform.
• Don't smoke or drink alcohol.
• Eat whole foods. Fish, chicken, fruits and vegetables. Avoid red meat.
• Avoid medications that give you dry mouth.
• Suck a sugar candy before you sing to stimulate saliva.
• Do 5 to 10 minutes of lip drills and vocal runs to stretch vocal folds.
• Avoid antihistamines.
• Try to eliminate emotional things in your life.
• Don't over-sing.
