A Psychologist Reveals Why Time Seems to Fly Faster with Age

In childhood, time seems to stretch endlessly: lessons feel long, and the wait for vacations feels like an eternity. But as the years go by, there is a sense that the years are flying by faster. Psychologists explain why this happens and whether it is possible to influence the perception of time.

Experts note: the perception of time is related not so much to biology as to the peculiarities of mental processes. How we perceive the passage of years depends on age, life experience, and lifestyle. Psychologist Gulnara Taichinova explained why years seem to "speed up" and whether it can be changed.

How the Brain Perceives Time

According to the expert, with age, the speed of information processing in the brain changes. Perception can be compared to a film: it seems that there are fewer frames, so the "film" runs faster.

There is another explanation. In childhood, each year lived occupies a significant part of life. For a ten-year-old child, this is about ten percent of their entire life and a significant part of their memories. For an adult, for example at 50 years old, one year constitutes only a small fraction of life experience. Therefore, subjectively it feels much shorter.

Moreover, childhood is filled with new impressions: school, friends, discoveries, emotions. The brain actively records these events and forms a large number of memories. When a day is filled with novelty, it seems longer.

Over time, many people transition to a more stable lifestyle. Repetitive routes, work, familiar tasks, and conversations create a sense of routine. The brain stops paying attention to monotonous events and seems to "compress" them in memory, causing days to blend into one another.

Are There Differences Between Men and Women?

Psychologists note that the perception of time may differ slightly between men and women. Women tend to pay more attention to emotions and details of what is happening, so they may feel the passage of time more evenly. Men, on the other hand, are generally more results-oriented, so periods without bright events are sometimes perceived by them as shorter.

It is also noted that parents of small children often feel that the years fly by very quickly. Their days are filled with numerous concerns and repetitive tasks, leaving less time for consciously experiencing the moment. People who pay more attention to their own interests, relaxation, and new experiences often perceive the passage of time more slowly.

The Role of Life Satisfaction

Research by psychologists from Harvard Medical School shows that the perception of time is also related to overall life satisfaction.

When a person feels happy and tries to live "in the moment," their brain records more details of what is happening. As a result, subjectively, time flows more slowly. Conversely, if life seems monotonous or a person is operating on autopilot, days may blend in memory, creating a feeling that time is passing too quickly.

Nostalgia also plays an interesting role. Researchers from the University of Southampton found that memories of the past can differently influence the perception of time. Warm nostalgia—memories of pleasant meetings, scents, or music—helps to feel the passage of time more gently. However, if the past is remembered with regret, there may be a feeling that the best moments are already behind, and the present is passing too swiftly.

Can Time Be "Slowed Down"?

Psychologists believe that it is quite possible to change the subjective feeling of time. It is enough to make small changes in lifestyle.

Add novelty. New routes, dishes, books, hobbies, and acquaintances create new impressions for the brain, making days feel more fulfilling.

Be mindful of the moment. Mindfulness practices help notice details—the smell of coffee, warm sunlight, or a passerby's smile. When a person is truly present in the moment, time stops "slipping away."

Record memories. Photographs, diary entries, or notes help preserve emotions and events, making lived days more substantial in memory.

Cultivate a sense of gratitude. Recognizing one's achievements and finding joy in simple things enhance the feeling of life fullness.

Look back at the past without regret. Memories can inspire and support if viewed with warmth rather than a sense of loss.

According to Gulnara Taichinova, the perception of time largely reflects how consciously a person lives their life. The more new experiences, joy, and attention to the present moment there are, the more fulfilling and slower the passage of time seems.