Why Does Time Feel Like Speeding Up When You Get Older?

The sense that time moves faster with age is widely reported, and research suggests it is closely linked to how the brain processes information.

According to Professor Adrian Bejan, perceived time differs from clock time because it depends on how quickly the brain registers and interprets sensory input. As people grow older, neural pathways become more complex, meaning signals travel longer distances.

This reduces the number of mental frames processed each second, creating the impression that time is passing more quickly.

In childhood, the opposite effect is often observed. New environments and experiences generate a high volume of information, making days feel longer and more detailed.

As individuals age, daily life becomes more routine, with fewer new experiences to process, which reduces the amount of information the brain records.

Psychological research also highlights the role of attention. Periods filled with varied activities or unfamiliar situations tend to feel longer because the brain is more engaged.

By contrast, routine or highly focused activities require less cognitive input, making time appear to pass more quickly.

Mental state also plays a role. Boredom or anxiety can slow perceived time due to increased thought activity, while calm and focused states tend to shorten it, reinforcing the link between perception and experience.

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