Why Time Seems to Fly When We're Older

And ##TuesdayTwirl

Dear friends. Have you ever remarked how days seem to race by? That when we were young, summer seemed to go on forever?

Part of it, as we get older, is becoming aware that we have less time ahead of us. But it's also the brain's way of telling us it needs more stimulation.

Psychology Today reported on a book by Steve Taylor which explains what's going on.

When we're in a different and busy environment, such as a conference, our brain is processing so much information that time is experienced more slowly.

I can relate to that. I used to go to America for an annual conference, and the packed schedule of learning about new products and trends, plus a memorable social event and meeting colleagues from across the world, meant I remember these occasions quite vividly.

However, when we remain in our normal environments, repeating the same familiar experiences with the same people, time tends to move fast and our brain has less recollection.

When we're reading or watching a film, our attention is mostly focused on that activity. When we're bored, our minds wander and start processing other information (what's for dinner, have I remembered to do x and on on). And we have very little recollection of what we were supposed to be doing.

What Happens as We Get Older

A study of 918 adults led by psychologist Ruth Ogden revealed that 77% of respondents agreed that Christmas seems to arrive more rapidly each year. Interestingly, Ogden’s co-researchers asked an Iraqi sample the same question about Ramadan and received a very similar response.

Steve Taylor says it’s common for people to report a slow passage of time during childhood. When you think about it, we're learning so much and encountering such change in our lives that the brain is stimulated into remembering more.

When we're retired, we often fall into routines of behaviour with very little variety between days. There's nothing memorable for the brain to remember.

Why Does it Matter?

I'm 65 and hopefully have another 20 or 30 years ahead of me. I want to savour the years and create new memories. I don't want to rely on childhood memories. To do this I need to consciously seek out new experiences and activities. The bonus is that by keeping the brain stimulated, we have a reduced risk of dementia.

That's why the bucket lists and "65 things to do aged 65" are important. It's easy to have a comforting routine but it's not what your brain wants or needs.

Shake it up

If you do a daily walk, vary the route and speed of walking.

Change your perspective by reading newspapers with different political perspectives. I do this. I subscribe to three newspapers and read them online.

If you go to art exhibitions, don't always go for the same genre and artists. It's interesting to challenge yourself with something diametrically opposed to what you would normally choose.

Plus you can always come up with a list of things you've always wanted to do or try. I'm in the process of devising mine and will share it soon.

Do you actively seek our new experiences? Share a few you've tackled this year, or are planning for next year.

Today's Outfit

I had the bonus of a halo through the door window! Gold sequin top, M&S (old) with Kettlewell Hayden suede skirt in chocolate (current) and gold boots, old, Oliver Bonas.

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