According to a recent SeniorJournal.com article, seniors are more likely to snore than young people, perhaps because as people age, their throat muscles lose elasticity (which in turn may cause snoring). 

But there's a simple, non-surgical remedy that may work for many seniors, the article went on to say, and that is singing - which may tone up those muscles again. 

The theory is based on the work of Alise Ojay, an Englishwoman who has studied the effects of various types of singing on the vocal chords and their potential to reduce snoring. Originally she became interested in this topic when talking to a friend who was troubled by his snoring. In cooperation with the University of Exeter, Ojay conducted a study of singing as a way to reduce snoring. Although not a true clinical trial, her study received positive reviews in a BBC program. Additional research by Ojay identified a group of singing exercises that strengthen certain muscles and that may reduce snoring. 

The "Singing for Snorers" program, Ojay says, does not work for everyone - but has a good chance of working for people whose snoring is caused by lax throat muscles. Even if singing exercises don't cure snoring, they are harmless and may even be enjoyable. Ojay's program and the singing exercises can be found at www.singingforsnorers.com/

January 2003