Why Does Time Seem to Fly as We Get Older? Science Has an Answer
Why does time seem to move faster as we age? Psychologists and neuroscientists have explored this fascinating phenomenon—and the results are surprising.
Ever found yourself saying, "Wait, that was two years ago? Feels like just yesterday!" You're not alone. As kids, even a school lesson could feel endless. But as adults, months and years pass by in a flash, often before we can even catch our breath.
In the book On the Experience of Time, psychologist Robert Ornstein shares a series of experiments revealing how time perception changes based on mental engagement. One of his studies had participants view different images, and then estimate how long they had been looking at each one. Despite identical time exposure, people felt they spent longer looking at more complex or engaging images. The same occurred in another experiment involving sounds: when participants listened to clips packed with varied noises, they believed they'd been listening for longer.
These findings suggest that when our brains are busy processing lots of new information, it feels like more time has passed. This helps explain why time seems to drag for children—they're constantly experiencing new things and learning about the world. Adults, in contrast, are more familiar with their surroundings and daily routines, so they're less mentally stimulated, which makes time seem to fly.
Research also shows that our brains process information more slowly as we age. Duke University professor Adrian Bejan explains that as neurons and nerves age, they accumulate more "wear and tear," causing them to transmit information more slowly. This slowing down in mental processing changes our perception of time. For younger people, whose brains process information more rapidly, days seem fuller and longer because they're absorbing more in a shorter span. For older adults, slower processing means fewer impressions per day, making time feel compressed.
A third explanation for time's apparent quickening pace lies in how our memories shape our sense of time. Neuroscientists Muireann Irish and Claire O'Callaghan suggest that as we get older, each new year becomes a smaller fraction of our overall life. To a 10-year-old, a year is a full 10% of their life—a substantial chunk. But to a 70-year-old, a year is only about 1.4% of their life. This shrinking proportion makes each year feel shorter. Additionally, our ability to recall memories with clarity shapes our time perception; the sharper our memories of a period, the longer it feels in retrospect.
Can We Slow Down Our Perception of Time?
While we can't stop the clock, we may be able to alter our perception of it. Trying new things and breaking out of routines can create more vivid memories, which may make time feel more expansive. This is one reason why vacations, new hobbies, or any change from daily routines can seem to "stretch" time.
In the end, the perception of time speeding up with age is a complex mix of neuroscience, memory, and mental processing. Although we can't change how time passes, we can still create meaningful, memorable moments to help it feel richer and more fulfilling. So, take that trip, try that new hobby, or explore a new part of town—you might just make the years feel a bit longer.