Does it mean that the later your muscle pain comes on, the older you are?

Not necessarily. The timing of muscle soreness, commonly known as Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), isn’t directly related to age. Instead, the onset of DOMS is influenced by factors like:

1. Type of Exercise: Activities involving eccentric contractions (muscle lengthening under tension) are more likely to cause DOMS, regardless of age. For example, downhill running or lowering weights can trigger more soreness than concentric movements.
2. Exercise Intensity and Novelty: If you’re trying a new workout or significantly increasing intensity, DOMS can appear later and be more severe, regardless of your age.
3. Individual Fitness Level: People who are less conditioned or new to certain types of exercise may experience DOMS more intensely and with a delayed onset.

Age-Related Factors: While aging affects muscle recovery time and overall muscle function, the specific timing of DOMS doesn’t strictly get later as you age. Older adults may experience changes in muscle repair mechanisms and may take longer to recover from strenuous exercise. However, this doesn’t directly mean DOMS occurs later; rather, it may last longer or feel more pronounced due to decreased muscle elasticity and recovery speed.

In summary, while age can influence muscle recovery, the timing of DOMS is more related to the nature and intensity of the exercise rather than simply the age of the individual.