Why does time go so much faster as we get older?

Many people feel like time speeds up as they get older. While the clock doesn’t change, your perception of time does. Here’s why:

1) Time Feels Shorter Relative to Your Life

When you’re 5 years old, one year is 20% of your entire life.
When you’re 50, one year is 2% of your life.

Your brain often judges time relative to how long you’ve already lived, so each year feels like a smaller slice of the whole.

2) Fewer “Firsts” = Fewer Memories

When you’re young, almost everything is new:

• First day of school
• First trip
• First friendship

Novel experiences create strong, detailed memories. When you look back, those years feel long because they’re packed with distinct events.

As you get older, routines take over:

• Same job
• Same commute
• Similar weeks

The brain compresses repetitive experiences, so in hindsight, large chunks of time blur together and feel shorter.

3) The Brain’s Processing Speed Changes As We Get Older

Children take in huge amounts of new information daily. The brain is constantly building new connections.

As adults, we process familiar information faster and more efficiently. When the brain processes less novelty, time can feel like it’s moving quicker.

4) Attention and Focus Matter

Time feels slower when:

• You’re bored
• You’re uncomfortable
• You’re waiting

All of which is why a quiet day can feel like it drags

Time feels faster when:

• You’re busy
• Distracted
• Multitasking

Adults are often busier and mentally occupied, which reduces awareness of time passing.

5) Memory Shapes Time More Than Clocks Do

There are two ways we experience time:

• Prospective time (while it’s happening)
• Retrospective time (when looking back)

As we age, retrospective time feels compressed because fewer unique memories were formed.

How to Make Time Feel Slower Again

Research suggests you can stretch your perception of time by:

• Trying new experiences regularly
• Learning new skills
• Traveling or changing environments
• Breaking routines
• Practicing mindfulness

Novelty + attention = richer memory = longer-feeling time.