Scientists have long been trying to understand why time seems to pass more quickly as people grow older. A 2019 study published by Cambridge University Press explored this phenomenon, noting a "misalignment between mental-image time and clock time." In simpler terms, the actual time measured by a clock—like the 24-hour day—is not the same as the time we perceive in our minds. Our perception of time is shaped by the images, experiences, and memories we accumulate over a lifetime. Mental healthcare company ReachLink has identified several possible reasons for this shift in time perception. One of these is the proportional theory, which suggests that the significance of a year in our lives decreases as we age. For instance, at age 10, a year represents 10% of your life experience, but by age 50, it's only 2%. As life goes on, each new year becomes a smaller fraction of the total, making time feel like it's passing more quickly. Another factor is the novelty deficit, which refers to the way memory stores time unevenly. When life becomes routine, with few new experiences, it becomes harder to distinguish one period from another. This can lead to the feeling that time is compressing when you look back on it. Additionally, when people are engaged in familiar or habitual tasks, their brains may go on autopilot, reducing their awareness of how much time is passing. This is known as attention absorption, where the brain focuses on the task at hand rather than the time it's taking. Emotional flattening is another possible cause. Strong emotions, such as excitement or fear, leave a deep impression on the brain, making those moments more memorable. In contrast, feelings like burnout or monotony create thinner, less distinct memories, which can make time feel like it's passing more quickly. Dopamine, a brain chemical linked to motivation and reward, may also play a role in how time is perceived, as its levels change with age. Professor Adrian Bejan, a mechanical engineering expert and author of Time and Beauty: Why Time Flies And Beauty Never Dies, has suggested ways to slow down the perception of time. He recommends breaking out of routines, trying new activities, and seeking surprises. Bejan emphasizes the importance of engaging in new experiences and creating fresh memories, which can help counteract the feeling that time is moving too fast.