The Long Road Home: How Recovery After 60 Is Changing What We Know About Healing-

Lingering Inflammation Plays a Big Role

Even after the main illness has passed, the body doesn’t immediately stand down. Low-level inflammation can continue as part of the repair process.

This can show up as:

• Mild muscle aches
• Joint stiffness
• Ongoing fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating (“brain fog”)
• Mood changes or mental tiredness

These symptoms can test patience, especially when everything “should” be better already. But often, this is the body finishing its work—quietly, and sometimes slowly.