Time is a constant. Its tick-tock is relentless, and the passage of time is the same for everyone. However, almost universally, as people grow older, they often feel that time is speeding up. This perception of accelerated time with age has puzzled scientists, psychologists, and philosophers for centuries.
In this article, we will delve into some new perspectives on why age seems to accelerate the passage of time, particularly focusing on the biophysical changes in our bodies and how we process visual information. This exploration is inspired by Kurt Ela's enlightening post, "How to Slow Down Time (No, Really)," and Professor Adrian Bejan's paper, "Why the Days Seem Shorter as We Get Older."
1. Saccade Frequency and Visual Processing
What Are Saccades?
Saccades are the rapid, ballistic movements of the eyes that allow them to move quickly from one point to another. These movements are essential for gathering information about the surroundings, particularly in dynamic environments.
Connection with Age
According to Professor Adrian Bejan's theory, as we age, the frequency of saccades decreases. This reduction leads to slower visual processing, making our surroundings appear less dynamic and vibrant. Younger individuals, with higher saccade frequencies, take in more information per unit of time, leading to a richer and denser experience of time.
A Window into Time Perception
This concept provides an exciting window into how our brains perceive the passage of time. If time's speed is linked to how much information our brains process, then a decrease in information processing as we age would indeed cause time to seem to speed up.
2. Biophysical Changes: Body Size and Neuronic Pathways Degradation
Body Size
An intriguing aspect of Bejan's theory is the relationship between body size and the perception of time. Larger animals, with longer nerve pathways, experience a slower pace of visual images, which makes time appear to pass more slowly. In humans, the body's growth and aging may impact this perception.
Neuronic Pathways Degradation
As we grow older, the degradation of neuronic pathways can slow down the transmission of visual signals to the brain. This slowing down can create the impression that time is passing more quickly.
A Complex Relationship
It's essential to recognize that the relationship between body size, neuronic pathways, and time perception is complex and multifaceted. The interplay between these elements forms part of a broader system that defines our unique experience of time.
3. Psychological Factors and Memory
Beyond the biophysical, the way we perceive time is also affected by psychological factors. For example, the proportionality theory suggests that as we age, each passing year represents a smaller portion of our lives, thus seeming shorter.
4. Practical Implications: Slowing Down Time
If our perception of time's speed is tied to how we process visual information, could we then "slow down time" by engaging in activities that stimulate our visual senses? Activities like travel, learning new skills, and engaging in hobbies can enhance our sensory experiences, possibly making time feel more extended.
Conclusion
The new views of why age accelerates time, rooted in biophysical changes and cognitive perception, are both fascinating and enlightening. They offer more than just an explanation; they provide insights into the very nature of human experience and perception. Whether through saccade frequency, body size, neuronic pathways degradation, or psychological factors, our perception of time is a rich and complex phenomenon that continues to intrigue and inspire.
The study of time's acceleration with age is far from over. It opens doors to understanding the human mind and offers opportunities to enrich our lives by embracing activities that may slow down our perception of time's relentless march.
"Time flies over us, but leaves its shadow behind." - Nathaniel Hawthorne
