All About Old Lady Voices
The old lady character is an elderly woman. The definition of “old” can be subjective, with the label being applied to those in their 50s, 60s, or older, depending on the average life expectancy of the environment the character is in. The age of the old lady character can also influence the activities, attitudes, and behavior of the character. Old lady characters are typically seen as friendly, wise, and caring. Old lady characters may be grandmothers, retirees, or hold other roles common for that age category.
Life phases of the old lady voice character
The old lady character experiences multiple phases of her older life stage and can feel differently depending on how her life has gone. In the early phase of old age, the old lady character works less, may be retired, and spends more time building into her community, as well as engaging in leisure activities. In this phase, she is still healthy and independent.
In the middle phase of old age, the old lady character may need a bit more assistance, be more cautious of risks, and reflect on her life, either feeling contentment or unease about the future. This reflection can spark either a sense of completion and satisfaction or regret and bitterness. Old lady characters who feel satisfied are more often mellow, caring, and calm in the face of old age. Old lady characters who feel regretful may be more angry, irritable, or otherwise unhappy.
In the later phase of old age, the old lady character may be much more dependent on others for help and speak with a weaker voice, which gradually becomes softer and weaker throughout each phase. She may also be forgetful, prone to outbursts, or have a feeling of helplessness, while still having gratitude for those helping her in her last years of life.
Where to find old lady characters
Old lady characters can often be seen talking to other people, either friends their age, family members, members of her religious or retirement community, and care workers. Old lady characters can be seen doing many hospitable things as well, such as baking cookies for her grandchildren or making meals for sick friends. Old lady characters may also be leaders in academic or social spheres of society, teaching and mentoring others.
Old lady characters may be respected as elder members of the community, or be treated as something lesser. Old lady characters may also be seen in less active settings, such as being in a care home or hospital, being sick or injured, and at the end of their lives, giving goodbyes.
The old lady character can be seen in many forms of media including family movies with grandparents, historical movies such as documentaries, television shows with retirees, and lectures by older professors. Looking out for this character in the media and identifying traits, attitudes, and the phase of old age the character is experiencing can help you identify key elements to incorporate into your old lady voice.
Add your honed “old person” voice to the mix, and you have the perfect old lady voice done and dusted!