In which decade of life do reductions in flexibility often become noticeable?

Flexibility typically begins to decline in the third decade of life, which is around 30 years of age. This decline can be attributed to various physiological changes the body undergoes as it ages. The connective tissues, including tendons and ligaments, begin to lose elasticity, leading to a decrease in range of motion in joints. Additionally, a decrease in physical activity levels and changes in muscle mass can contribute to noticeable reductions in flexibility during this time.

While younger individuals in the first and second decades of life generally maintain a higher degree of flexibility due to their active development and peak physical condition, it is in the third decade where many people start to become less active, which exacerbates the loss of flexibility. This change often becomes apparent to individuals as they may find it more challenging to perform physical activities that were previously effortless. The aging process continues to impact flexibility more significantly in the fourth decade and beyond, but initial reductions become evident in the third.