Get older, why don't I recover from exercise as fast as I used to?

Exercise stiffness and soreness typically fade within 24 to 72 hours, but the article explains why recovery can take longer with age. Dr. Asad Siddiqi, chief of rehabilitation medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, says older adults may need more “maintenance” to stay ready for workouts or sports. Researchers point to two biological factors: older people can be more susceptible to exercise-induced muscle damage and may regenerate muscle more slowly. Muscle mass generally starts declining in the 30s, and the muscle fiber mix shifts away from fast-twitch fibers toward slower ones. Chronic inflammation—“inflammaging”—could also interfere with regeneration. Experts also note lifestyle changes: many people are less active over time, which can compound reduced performance.