Our view of ageing influences how we hear older voices. According to research, voices are not only sounds, but also carriers of cultural meanings. What we hear in an older voice depends on how our society views age and what values it assigns to it.
People like Johnny Cash, for example, are often seen as wiser and more authoritative as their voices age. With other singers, such as opera stars, people instead continue to expect their voices to sound young and perfect. These expectations partly determine how we appreciate older people in music.
The research also looks at the effects of these attitudes. Some older artists feel pressured to keep their voices young, sometimes at the risk of their health. By also valuing older voices themselves, we can contribute to a more balanced and respectful portrayal of ageing.
This is important because accepting old age as a valuable phase of life contributes to a healthier outlook on life. In this way, we can see growing older as a time of new possibilities and dignity.
Source: admin
