Do you really know? Why does time go by faster with age?
May 10, 2025
Ever wonder why time seems to zip by as you age? Dive into the intriguing concept that cognitive abilities affect our perception of time. Discover how our routines contribute to this feeling of acceleration. Relatable examples highlight the difference between childhood anticipation and adult life’s rush. Groundbreaking theories from a mechanical engineering professor shed light on why those formative experiences feel more stretched than our current years. It’s a fascinating exploration of time and memory!
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Aging Slows Brain, Speeds Time Perception
- As we age, our perception of time speeds up though its actual passage remains constant.
- Our brain's cognitive slowing and reduced processing efficiency contribute to this altered time perception.
Novelty Slows Time Perception
- Familiarity with surroundings makes time seem to pass faster due to receiving less new information.
- Children perceive time slower because most experiences are new and require more brain activity.
Age Alters Time Proportion Perception
- We perceive time relative to age; a year feels longer when young because it represents a larger portion of life.
- Adults feel years pass quicker since each year is a smaller fraction of their lifetime.