As people grow older, many report the uncanny feeling that time moves faster - a widely shared experience that neuroscience is now beginning to demystify.
Researchers are uncovering how our brain’s perception of time is influenced by novelty, memory formation, and attention, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.
Dr. Marc Wittmann of Germany’s Institute for Frontier Areas of Psychology and Mental Health explains that time is subjectively experienced based on how much new information the brain processes. Novel experiences serve as "mental timestamps," and the more varied our day, the longer it seems in hindsight.
This helps explain why time appears to stretch in childhood. Surrounded by “firsts” - the first day of school, first friendships, first achievements - children encounter a steady stream of new stimuli. In contrast, adult life often involves repeated routines, which offer fewer memorable moments and make days and weeks blend together.
Age-related changes in brain function also play a role. Research shows that as we age, the brain processes external stimuli more slowly and samples information less frequently, akin to watching a flipbook with missing pages. This slower processing can make time feel like it’s speeding up.
Sleep quality is another critical factor. A well-rested brain forms clearer and more vivid memories. Conversely, sleep deprivation dulls the senses and reduces memory formation, making an entire day feel like a blur. Constant fatigue shortens the brain’s ability to register detail, further contributing to the sensation of time rushing by.
Digital habits, particularly social media scrolling, may also distort time perception. Repetitive and passive content fails to create meaningful memories, and excessive screen time often delays sleep - compounding the issue.
Despite these challenges, experts believe time perception can be influenced through simple lifestyle changes. Getting adequate sleep, seeking out novel experiences, and mindfully observing one’s environment can all help “slow down” time subjectively. Neuroscientists suggest exploring new places, learning hobbies, or simply noting five unfamiliar things each day as effective ways to build richer mental records.
Supporting this, a 2023 study found that older adults with rigid daily routines were more likely to feel time slipping away. In contrast, seniors who stayed socially active and continued learning reported a stronger sense of time and more vivid memories. The conclusion: curiosity, engagement, and variety may be key to making life feel longer and more fulfilling.
In related research, a study led by Gary L. Wagener and published in the International Journal of Psychophysiology revealed that playing video games - even during moments of anxiety or frustration - can have a calming effect on the body. The finding further illustrates the brain’s remarkable ability to respond to and regulate sensory input in unexpected ways.
