Why time flies faster as we age: Brain's hidden mechanisms
The older we become, the quicker time seems to slip by. Interestingly, this sensation isn't just a subjective feeling; our minds are indeed responsible, as they organise memories differently over time.
During childhood, we felt as though we had an abundance of time. Holidays stretched out lazily, and each day was an adventure. As adults, we barely return from one holiday before another arrives, leaving us unprepared. From an annual perspective, our adult years seem to have passed in a flash, whereas childhood days felt considerably longer and more drawn out over time. Is this perception merely an illusion, or does it reflect reality? Scientists have delved into this question.
The study on this subject was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Its findings show that our perception of time shifts with age. As we age, we feel as though time accelerates.
According to researchers, our daily monotony is the culprit. When we fall into a routine, each day mirroring the next, days merge into weeks, weeks into months, and so on. In contrast, childhood days were filled with novelty and surprises.
The brain has more connections with age, but they are less efficient
Prof. Adrian Bejan from Duke University published an alternative theory in the European Review. He suggests that biological processes within our brains are responsible. Children's brains form new neural connections rapidly, making each stimulus vivid and immediately processed. Consequently, every moment is enriched with details, thus appearing longer.
As we age, the situation shifts because although our brains develop more connections, their efficiency diminishes. An older brain requires more time to comprehend its surroundings, registering fewer details. Therefore, days appear to blend; routine and predictability take over, leading to a sensation of "shortened days." To counteract this, experts recommend introducing planned and spontaneous changes into daily life.
