How Speech Therapy Supports Emotional Well-Being in Seniors

2025-02-05 / by Avivit Ben-Aharon • 3 min read

Many people are aware that speech therapy can be helpful for a child struggling with a speech disorder. However, most do not realize that it can be beneficial for individuals in various stages of life, including seniors.

Speech Difficulties for Seniors

Many conditions can affect a senior's ability to speak and communicate effectively.

For Example:

Speech and communication problems can also be caused by normal aging. As we age, our bodies slow down, and vocal cords may weaken, resulting in hoarse or breathy speech.

Multiple speech and swallowing disorders can affect seniors:

Apraxia of speech

Apraxia of speech is a motor speech disorder in which the brain has difficulty coordinating the muscles needed for speech. This can result in various struggles, such as problems making speech sounds, saying the wrong words, and slow speech.

Dysarthria

Dysarthria is a speech disorder caused by weakness or paralysis of the muscles involved in speaking. Someone with this disorder may have slurred speech, irregular speech speed and volume, and difficulties with various speech sounds.

Dysphagia

Dysphagia affects the ability to swallow and eat normally. The individual may feel like something is stuck in their throat, making swallowing painful and difficult. Dysphagia can also affect speech because the muscles used for talking can become weak.

No matter the cause of the speech issues, speech therapy for seniors can be vital in improving quality of life and removing communication barriers.

What are the signs that a senior may need speech therapy?

Numerous signs may indicate that a senior might need speech therapy. These signs may be related to speech, language, or swallowing difficulties and become more noticeable as they age or after a health event or diagnosis.

Key signs to watch for:

Slurred speech
Hoarseness when speaking
Inconsistent speech speed and volume
Struggling to pronounce letter sounds and words
Using incorrect words
Relying on non-verbal communication instead of words
Difficulty swallowing
Coughing or choking while eating or drinking
Withdrawing from social situations that they would have engaged in previously

Benefits of Speech Therapy for Seniors

Speech therapy offers an array of benefits for seniors:

Improved Cognitive Function

Speech therapy can help improve seniors’ cognitive function while also improving their memory and problem-solving skills. Speech therapy helps by keeping the brain active and engaged. Certain activities and exercises can help rewire the brain. The right stimulation can create neuropathways and improve cognitive processing.

Improved Communication Skills

Effective communication is important for people of any age, especially seniors. If seniors cannot communicate their needs and concerns, an emergency can occur. Speech therapy can help seniors communicate more easily with their family, friends, and caregivers. Addressing speech issues is essential. Quality social relationships boost well-being and limit the potential for them to become isolated.

Maintaining Independence

Being able to communicate effectively is important for maintaining independence. If there are communication issues, seniors will not be able to advocate for themselves in scenarios such as making and attending appointments, as well as voicing their wants and needs.

Reducing The Risk of Social Isolation

Seniors with issues communicating are more likely to become socially isolated. Speech therapy can help them gain and nourish the skills to keep their social connections.

Speech Therapy for Seniors

Speech therapy exercises for seniors will vary depending on their individual needs. Some examples are as follows:

Articulation and Pronunciation Exercises

Articulation and pronunciation exercises can help improve the quality of speech.

Breathing Exercises

Breathing exercises can be beneficial for voice control. Practicing these exercises can help seniors manage their breath while speaking and improve voice quality and volume.

Cognitive Communication Exercises

Exercises focused on memory, attention, and problem-solving can help stimulate cognitive function.

Tongue Strengthening Exercises

Strengthening the tongue can improve pronunciation clarity.

You’re never too old for speech therapy. If you or a loved one could benefit from online speech therapy with Great Speech, schedule a free introductory call today!