A groundbreaking wave of psychological research is upending traditional ideas about longevity, suggesting that how we perceive and use our time may be as crucial to our experience of a long life as exercise or genetics. Recent studies, discussed in a widely circulated article from The Atlantic, reveal that our subjective experience of time—how we mentally register its passage, particularly as we age—holds surprising sway over our sense of well-being and even the depth of our memories. For Thai readers, the findings offer a fresh perspective on enduring questions about ageing, happiness, and the pursuit of meaning in an increasingly fast-paced society.
In the article, published on July 24, 2025, the columnist draws on philosophy, neuroscience, and psychology to explain a phenomenon familiar to many: as we age, time seems to speed up. While minutes and hours remain objectively constant, our brains process these intervals differently depending on our age, emotional state, and daily routines. French philosopher Henri Bergson’s 19th-century argument—that time is a “subjective unit of experience” and not merely a clock’s tick—finds support in contemporary psychology. Experiments as recent as 2017 confirm that most people report a marked acceleration in the passage of time as they get older. Some scientists believe that this shift follows a logarithmic curve: each year becomes a smaller fraction of one’s life, making it feel foreshortened relative to youthful years (The Atlantic).
But why does this matter for Thais in their everyday lives? Thailand boasts one of the world’s fastest-aging populations, with nearly a fifth of residents expected to be over 60 by 2030 (UNESCAP). Social changes, such as expanded healthcare and economic development, have extended the average Thai lifespan, yet many still wonder why later years sometimes seem to speed by in a blur. The emerging science suggests that our brains, shaped by both biological and psychological patterns, may be partly responsible.
Key findings indicate that perception of time is molded not just by age, but by circadian rhythms, emotional engagement, and lifestyle patterns. One striking story highlighted in the article references French explorer Michel Siffre, who spent months in a cave with no natural light or clock. He lost track of time so profoundly that he believed he had been underground only a third as long as he actually had—a powerful illustration of how the brain “measures” time relative to experience, not the calendar.
On a neurological level, researchers have found that the neurotransmitter dopamine—boosted by excitement and engagement—can make time pass more quickly, while boredom or anxiety has the opposite effect. The phenomenon, termed tachypsychia, means that genuinely thrilling or stressful moments can be imprinted in memory with exceptional clarity, stretching our subjective sense of duration. Directly put: “Time flies when you’re having fun,” but it can also slow to a crawl during monotony or trauma (PMC).
In practical terms, the research identifies three major ways Thais—and everyone else—can alter their subjective experience of time to make life feel richer and longer. Firstly, meaning matters more than mere pleasure. Studies indicate that emotionally charged, meaningful events—be they spiritual journeys like “making merit” (ทำบุญ) or life milestones like ordaining at a temple (บรรพชา)—generate “denser” memories, making these periods feel longer and more significant in retrospect. This aligns with observations from older Thai generations, for whom vivid memories of hardship and community ritual often outweigh the fleeting pleasures of everyday comfort.
Secondly, psychologists urge people to practice mindful savoring—attending closely to both positive and negative moments, rather than wishing unpleasant experiences away or always seeking distraction. This technique parallels practices in Thai Buddhism, such as Vipassana meditation (วิปัสสนา), which encourages deep awareness and acceptance of each present moment, good or bad. “The capacity to attend to, appreciate, and enhance the positive experiences” of life, as the article puts it, may be a secret not only to lasting memories but also to existential contentment.
Thirdly, breaking from routine appears to slow the passage of time. Novelty, whether as small as visiting a new market (ตลาดนัด) or as major as learning a new skill or traveling to another province, has been shown in experiments to “expand” perceived time. For Thais who value stable community life, this doesn’t mean uprooting one’s entire lifestyle. Instead, small injects of newness—joining a fresh exercise class, exploring a new cultural festival, or even changing the route of a daily commute—can help. As researchers note, “routines put you on autopilot,” making time blur, while new experiences create the sense of a longer, more eventful life (The Atlantic).
Expert opinions lend scientific credibility to these observations. According to one Harvard psychologist, “memory is enhanced by significant, emotionally evocative activities,” and “a truly long life favors the pursuit of deep meaning over simple fun.” Local gerontology specialists echo these sentiments, pointing to the powerful role of social bonds, cultural rituals, and staying mentally active in Thai communities. An official from a leading Bangkok hospital’s geriatrics unit stated, “We see first-hand that seniors who engage in meaningful activities, like volunteering at a temple or learning new skills, often report their days as richer and more fulfilling, even if they face physical limitations.”
The cultural resonance for Thailand runs deep. The wisdom in Buddhist and folk proverbs—“remember you will die” (มรณานุสติ)—aligns with ancient Stoic advice cited in the article: meditating on impermanence leads to greater appreciation for the present. This consciousness is embedded in ceremonies like Songkran (สงกรานต์), when Thais ritually mark the passage of years, inviting reflection and renewal.
This psychological insight also carries public health and policy implications. As the government prepares for the “Silver Society,” initiatives such as lifelong learning, community engagement programs, and accessible tourism for seniors may do more than keep bodies healthy—they could help seniors “stretch” their sense of time, enhancing life satisfaction. Policymakers and family caregivers should heed the advice that the richness of each moment, not simply the number of years lived, defines quality of life.
Looking ahead, further research is likely to investigate the role of technology and digital consumption in shaping Thai perceptions of time. Experts warn that endless scrolling and passive consumption may accelerate the subjective passage of time, detracting from memory formation and overall well-being. As one Thai clinical psychologist from a mental health center in Chiang Mai observed, “We increasingly hear people say, ‘The week just disappeared’ or ‘I don’t remember what I did yesterday,’ especially among those glued to their screens. Intentional, mindful engagement—offline and in the community—offers an antidote.”
For Thai readers seeking practical steps, the research offers clear guidance: actively pursue meaningful, emotionally resonant moments; practice savoring life through mindfulness, perhaps drawing on meditation traditions; and break routines with new activities and connections. As Thailand navigates its demographic transition toward an aging society, cultivating these habits could help both individuals and communities enrich their years—not just add more of them. Ultimately, the best secret to longevity may lie not in defeating the clock, but in celebrating and deepening the moments that truly matter.
Sources: The Atlantic, UNESCAP – Thailand’s Aging Society, NCBI – Memory and Time Perception