(Emphasis mine—LP)

Yes, hopefully—but that can be a forlorn hope. As we age, that difference changes. Injuries, though long healed, leave a permanent change in the affected area—if nothing else, an increased tendency to osteoarthritis. As soft tissues age, they become less elastic. It is far easier for an older person (50+) to tear a muscle or tendon.

This is even more true for someone who was once very active and athletic, but let themselves go through even half of middle age. What they learned to recognize as "good" pain in their 20s is no longer good in their 50s or later; in some cases, even in their 40s. I learned the (unacceptable ) truth of this from multiple serious injuries and medical problems that prevented proper exercise for months, or in some cases years. Coming back is harder and takes longer the older you are.