Why does time seem to pass faster as we age?

As we advance in age, many of us share a peculiar perception: time seems to fly. What were once endless childhood summers are now months that pass in the blink of an eye. 

But, why does this feeling of time acceleration occur as we age? Is it just a sensation, or is time really passing faster over the years? 

Well, no more doubts! The Insight Factory Portal will dive into the psychological, biological, and social facets that contribute to this intriguing change in our perception of time. Check it out!

Why does time pass faster as we age?

One of the most common things people say as they get older is that time seems to pass faster. This is a universal experience, but why does it happen?

Currently, there are two main acceptable theories to explain this phenomenon of why time passes faster as we age.

Theory of psychological relativity

The first is the theory of psychological relativity, which states that time passes slower when we experience new things. 

When we are children, we are constantly learning and experiencing new things, which makes time seem to pass slower. As we age, our lives become more predictable, which makes time seem to pass faster.

In addition, it’s also a matter of the proportion of our life in relation to the time that is passing. When you are 5 years old, one year represents 20% of your entire life, which is a significant fraction.

However, at 50 years, one year is just 2% of your life. This proportional difference makes each year, month, or day seem smaller compared to the whole of your life.

Theory of neural plasticity

The second theory is the theory of neural plasticity, which states that the brain becomes less plastic as we age. Neural plasticity is the brain’s ability to adapt and change. 

When we are children, our brain is very plastic, which allows us to learn and grow quickly. As we age, our brain becomes less plastic, which makes it harder to experience new things and learn new things.

Relation of time with life stages

These two theories can combine to explain why time seems to pass faster as we age. 

As we age, our lives become more predictable and our brain becomes less plastic. This makes us experience fewer new things, which makes time seem to pass faster. 

But, beyond these two theories, there are other factors that may contribute to the feeling that time passes faster as we age. 

For example, people who are more anxious or stressed may feel that time passes faster. This is because anxiety and stress can cause people to focus on the present and have difficulty remembering the past. 

It’s also important to consider that the perception of time is subjective. What one person considers a long moment, another person may consider a short moment. 

Therefore, it’s possible that some people simply have a different perception of time than others. 

In addition, as we age, biological changes can also affect our perception of time. Our biological clocks, including the circadian rhythm, tend to slow down with age. 

Not to mention that the production of neurotransmitters that help in the formation of new memories decreases, which can contribute to a feeling of accelerated time, as we have fewer “new markers” in our memories. 

But, regardless of the cause, the feeling that time passes faster as we age can be frustrating for some people. However, it’s important to remember that this is a natural process. 

The fact is that as we age, our lives become more complex, and our priorities change. This makes time pass faster, but it also makes our experiences more meaningful.

How to slow down the clock?

Although we can’t literally slow down time, we can adopt strategies to appreciate each moment more and possibly alter our perception of the passage of time. 

Seeking new experiences, learning different skills, practicing mindfulness, and taking time to reflect and appreciate the small moments can help create richer memories and feel that we are living more fully.

Conclusion

The feeling that time accelerates as we age is an experience shared by many, rooted in psychological, biological, and social aspects of our lives.

While we can’t control the clock, we can enrich our perception of time by seeking to live more consciously and meaningfully. 

So, the next time you feel the years are passing too quickly, remember that you have the power to make each moment more valuable and memorable!