Why Does Time Feel Like It Speeds Up as You Age?

Time feels like it goes faster when you're older because your brain processes fewer new experiences as you grow up. When you're a kid, everything is brand new, going to school for the first time or learning how to ride a bike is super exciting and makes time seem slower. But as an adult, most days feel similar, so your brain doesn't have as much to remember, which makes it feel like time flies.

Think of it like watching a movie: if you're seeing something new every day, the story feels longer, but if you've seen the same plot over and over, it seems like it ends too quickly.

Take the quiz →

Examples

  1. A child might spend an entire day at the park with friends, it feels like forever. An adult doing the same might just think, 'I had lunch, went to work, and came home.'
  2. When you're young, learning a new skill feels huge, but as you get older, it’s more like adding another piece to a puzzle.
  3. A teenager can spend an hour chatting with friends and feel it was long. An adult might have the same conversation in 10 minutes and think 'that went fast.'

Ask a question

See also

Discussion

Recent activity