OBJECTIVE: To identify the vocal characteristics of older institution of a Long Term Elderly (ILPI). METHODS: Screening was performed in 13 elderly vocal on ILPI residents of Santa Maria - RS, in 2011. The vocal part of a screening assessment roadmap prepared by the Discipline of Speech Community Therapy of the Speech Therapy Course UFSM, which allows an evaluation of the elderly in all areas of speech powers. Data on age, type of voice, loudness, pitch, resonance and maximum phonation time (TMF) / a /, / s / and / z / were analyzed descriptively in absolute and relative numbers. RESULTS: A total of 13 elderly women with a mean age of 77.1 years. Eight (61.5%) showed presbyphonic voice. As for the other vocal characteristics, nine (69.2%) had hoarseness, five (38.5%) breathiness and three (23.1%) vocal roughness. Two (15.4%) had a monotone voice, one (7.7%) compressed voice, one (7.7%) virilization and one (7.7%) hyper nasal. Five (38.5%) had decreased loudness and two (15.4%) decreased pitch. Five (38.5%) had vertical focus resonance laryngopharyngeal and one (7.7%) above the horizontal focus. The measurements were performed in TMF only six and the average for TMF / a / was 7.3 s; / s / = 8.9 s and of / z / = 5.9 s. CONCLUSIONS: The predominant presbyphonic voice hoarseness and vocal in the assessments. TMF shown to be reduced compared to that described in the literature suggesting loss in ability to control the aerodynamic forces and forces of the lungs myoelastic larynx.