Scientific theories explain why time perception accelerates with age

Scientists are investigating why time appears to pass more quickly as people age. A study published in Memory & Cognition, involving 120 participants aged 20 to 91, explores several theories regarding this phenomenon.

One mathematical theory proposed by philosopher Paul Janet suggests that as a person ages, each new year represents a smaller fraction of their total life. Another theory posits that new experiences create more memories, making time feel longer in retrospect, whereas repetitive routines leave fewer distinct mental markers, causing periods to feel compressed.

A third hypothesis, supported by professor Adrian Bejan, focuses on brain function. It suggests that as neural networks grow with age, signals must travel longer distances, potentially slowing visual information processing and altering the perception of time's duration.