Read, Watch or Listen

Scientists analyzing fMRI data from 577 adults who watched an eight-minute clip ('Bang! You're Dead') from Alfred Hitchcock Presents found that older brains shifted between activity states less often, and those states lasted longer. Using a Greedy State Boundary Search algorithm on Cam-CAN recordings from people aged 18 to 88, the team suggests fewer logged 'events' may make time feel faster with age. Experts note age-related neural dedifferentiation could play a role, while others add that our internal, nonlinear sense of time also matters. The authors say novelty and meaningful social engagement may help time feel fuller in retrospect.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.