“Hey, Brain: Add Bookmark.”

Young children, in contrast, perceive time as expansive. Their brains absorb new patterns, social interactions, and sensory experiences. Adults, particularly those caught in routines, create fewer “first-time” memories. This diminishes the cognitive landmarks used to signify the passage of time, leading to the feeling that years fly by.

However, even older adults can “slow time down” by actively engaging in novel activities, traveling, or learning new skills. These activities create richer mental timestamps that expand the perceived duration of life phases.