Why Does Time Seem to Speed Up as We Age? Scientists Explain How to 'Slow It Down'

Many people feel that time accelerates as they get older, with childhood summers seeming to last forever while adult years fly by. Scientists offer explanations for this common perception, suggesting it's not the actual passage of time but how our brains experience it.

One theory, proposed by mechanical engineering professor Adrian Bejan, suggests that as we age, our brains process fewer mental images. He likens this to flipping through a book with fewer pictures; the faster we flip, the quicker we reach the end. Older brains may register fewer individual moments within the same time frame, leading to the sensation of time speeding up. This could also explain why childhood memories often feel so vivid and lengthy – the brain processed a high volume of impressions at a rapid pace.

Another factor is the reduction in novel experiences. As we age, we tend to stick to familiar routines, places, and people. When daily activities become repetitive, the brain receives little new or striking information to store. This can cause days to blend into weeks and years into a vague whole. In contrast, periods filled with change and new experiences create more distinct memories, making that time feel longer in retrospect.

Psychology professor Cindy Lustig explains that a wealth of stored memories can create the impression of a longer duration. Routine, therefore, might be a significant obstacle to feeling like life is full and long. Breaking out of autopilot, even with small changes like taking a different route to the store or trying a new hobby, can provide fresh stimuli. These experiences make days more distinguishable and help influence our subjective perception of time, making life feel richer and longer upon reflection.