Speech and Voice Characteristics of Geriatric Speakers: A Review of the Literature and a Call for Research and Training (Tutorial) (Age Related Physiologic Changes‪)‬

This article provides an overview and select review of the emerging literature informing clinicians about speech and voice changes secondary to normal aging. We begin by presenting demographic data about the "graying of America" and the impact of our aging population on speech-language pathology caseloads. General age-related physiologic changes are then described, setting a context for subsequent presentation of key findings about age-related changes across the speech subsystems. We conclude with a call for additional research into the characteristics of aging speech and voice, as well as increased education and training for clinicians interested in the effect of age-related changes on communication. **********