Why does time feel faster as we grow older?

Question

Accepted Answer

The Proportional Theory
As humans age, each passing year represents a smaller fraction of the total life lived. A single year for a five-year-old child accounts for twenty percent of their entire existence, whereas for a fifty-year-old, that same year is merely two percent. This creates a powerful psychological perception of accelerating duration.

The Novelty Factor
Beyond mathematics, the brain processes information based on novelty:

Childhood: Filled with "firsts"—first day of school, first bike ride, first summer vacation. These dense, unique memories occupy more mental space.
   Adulthood: Routines become automated. When the brain encounters familiar patterns, it stops recording every detail, causing days to blend together into a blur.

Breaking the Cycle
To counteract this temporal compression, one must intentionally introduce novelty into daily life. By traveling to new places, learning complex skills, or engaging in unpredictable hobbies, the brain is forced to exit 'autopilot' mode. This creates richer sensory markers, effectively 'slowing down' the perceived flow of time by making life significantly more memorable and vibrant.