A wave of new research reveals that the key to experiencing a longer, more fulfilling life may lie not so much in medical breakthroughs or exercise regimens, but in how we psychologically perceive and savor time itself. Studies highlighted by The Atlantic in its recent piece, “The Psychological Secret to Longevity,” reveal that the way we experience time accelerates as we age—a phenomenon influenced not just by our biological clock, but by our daily routines, emotional engagement, and openness to novelty (The Atlantic).
At first glance, time might seem like an immutable, linear progression measured by clocks and calendars. Yet both philosophers and neuroscientists argue that time is deeply subjective. Decades of research, including 19th-century theories proposed by Henri Bergson and Paul Janet, support that perception of time quickens with age because as people accumulate experiences, each new year seems shorter in comparison. The Atlantic’s analysis ties this philosophical insight to scientific studies, including a 2017 psychology experiment demonstrating that older individuals consistently report feeling as if months and years pass more quickly than when they were younger—a kind of logarithmic compression of perceived time (Scientific Reports - Nature; blogs.bcm.edu).
The implications for Thai readers are profound, especially considering Thailand’s rapidly aging society. By 2030, about 28% of Thais are expected to be over 60—a demographic shift with broad impacts on national policy and individual well-being (Department of Older Persons, Thailand). In a culture that reveres elders but also grapples with the stress of urbanization and routine, understanding the psychological warp of time offers a new lens to promote healthy longevity.
Key findings show that life feels longer, in subjective experience, when it is packed with meaningful, emotionally salient, and novel activities. Excitement and engagement—often linked to heightened dopamine levels in the brain—make time fly, but also pack our memories densely, making even brief episodes seem substantial when recalled. For example, exhilarating experiences or strong emotional moments insert deep “memory markers,” slowing our memory’s timeline even as clock time marches on (Psychology Today; Medium).
Researchers have also observed an effect known as “tachypsychia,” where time perception warps under the influence of emotional states: periods of boredom or anxiety seem interminable, while joy or stress can compress experienced time. This means that living a meaningful, engaged daily life, as opposed to a repetitive or routine-bound one, is critical to “experiencing” a longer life. In experiments, individuals immersed in unfamiliar activities—whether travel, new hobbies, or learning—felt that time expanded, while predictable routines put the brain on autopilot, making months and years blur together (The Good Trade).
Experts in positive psychology recommend two major strategies for expanding subjective time: savoring and novelty. “Savoring” refers to the active practice of appreciating, attending to, and enhancing the details of positive experiences. This involves cultivating mindfulness, focusing on the present, and drawing meaning from daily events—even difficult or negative ones, which often contribute to a deeply imprinted memory when reflected on thoughtfully. Savoring can be practiced in simple ways, like enjoying a shared meal with family, pausing to appreciate a sunset over the Chao Phraya River, or reflecting on a personal achievement (Positive Psychology).
“Novelty,” on the other hand, is about breaking routines and injecting newness into one’s life. Thai cultural traditions, such as frequent temple visits or Songkran festivities, are examples of meaningful routines. However, when routines become rote, their power to enrich perception and memory fades. Experts recommend mixing up daily patterns, seeking out new friendships, traveling to new places—even within familiar territories like exploring different neighborhoods in Bangkok or trying traditional recipes from other Thai regions. Novelty doesn’t have to mean extravagance: even learning a new skill, experimenting with gardening, or altering one’s daily commute can help slow the subjective passage of time and yield more vivid memories (EBSCO).
While much of this new research comes from Western contexts, its core messages resonate throughout Asian and Thai culture, especially for elders who may find routine both comforting and stultifying. For example, in Buddhist philosophy, the practice of mindfulness—living with awareness and intention—is deeply aligned with savoring. The rich ceremonial life in Thai communities, if approached with mindful participation rather than rote repetition, can provide both meaning and novelty, contributing to the sense of a life well-lived.
Some experts caution, however, that too much novelty or avoidance of routine can lead to stress or instability, especially for older adults. Instead, the focus should be on enriching experiences and mindful engagement with existing routines, turning the familiar into the extraordinary through conscious appreciation. As opposed to chasing constant excitement, Thai elders are encouraged to find small, intentional ways to break monotony and to regularly reflect on positive moments, thus embedding richer memories and expanding subjective time.
Thailand’s public health officials have started recognizing the significance of psychological well-being in aging. Initiatives in senior centers across Bangkok and Chiang Mai, for example, now integrate positive psychology workshops alongside physical health checks. These programs encourage seniors to keep learning, maintain friendships, and practice mindfulness—a trifecta shown to significantly improve subjective well-being and even physical health outcomes (Department of Older Persons, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security).
Looking forward, this research opens new possibilities for aging policy and community programs in Thailand. With the population aging rapidly, tools to maximize not just the quantity but the quality of time are critically important. Policymakers may consider expanding access to community learning centers, subsidizing travel or educational programs for the elderly, and promoting intergenerational cultural exchanges. These approaches help create new, memorable experiences—slowly stretching the tapestry of subjective time for Thailand’s seniors.
For Thai readers seeking to apply these insights personally, experts recommend several practical steps. First, look for ways to break up your weekly routines: explore a new part of your neighborhood or try a new hobby, even if on a small scale. Second, practice savoring by being present during conversations, meals, or daily chores. Third, reflect on both positive and negative experiences for deeper memory formation, perhaps through keeping a simple journal or sharing stories with younger generations. Finally, embrace the Buddhist principle of mindfulness and self-awareness—not just as a spiritual endeavor, but a cognitive skill for maximizing life’s richness.
In summary, the new science of time perception and psychological longevity offers hope and guidance for an aging Thailand. It is not just the number of days that matters, but the density of meaning, memory, and novelty packed into each one. The secret, as both Western researchers and Thai wisdom keepers agree, is to be awake to the present, to seek fresh horizons, and to savor each moment—whether ordinary or extraordinary—for a subjectively longer and deeply fulfilling life.