Mysterious Phenomenon: Why Time Seems to Fly By as We Age
Have you ever caught yourself saying “time flies” as you grow older? It’s a common sentiment shared by most adults.
Scientists have been intrigued by this phenomenon for years and have come up with interesting theories to explain it.
According to Cindy Lustig, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan, one possibility is that as we get older, our lives become more structured and routine-oriented. We have fewer standout experiences that help us mark the passing of time.
Think about it – as children, every new year brings a wealth of new experiences and discoveries. A year for a five-year-old is packed with 20% of their lifetime of experiences. But for a 50-year-old, one year is a mere 2% of their life, likely filled with fewer new experiences. Our brains tend to combine similar days and weeks, giving us the perception that everything blends together.
Another theory, proposed by Adrian Bejan at Duke University, suggests that our aging brains also play a role in this phenomenon. Bejan’s research argues that as we age, our brains require more time to process new mental images, resulting in a skewed perception of time.
In contrast, when we are younger, our brains can process new information more rapidly, making the days seem longer. The physical changes in our nerves and neurons as we age lead to a decline in the rate at which we acquire and process new information.
While Bejan’s theory has been met with some skepticism, it provides an interesting perspective on the perception of time as we age.
So, the next time you find yourself wondering where all the time went, remember that it’s a natural part of the human experience. Cherish the memorable moments and embrace the sense of wonder that comes with each passing day.
Sources: Daily Mail
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