Here is why they don’t anymore.

1. Why time feels faster with age:
As we grow older, each year becomes a smaller percentage of our life — what once felt like a long stretch of time now feels brief in comparison.

2. The role of routine:
Childhood feels longer because it’s filled with firsts — new experiences, discoveries, and emotions. Adulthood, however, is ruled by repetition and predictability, which makes time blur together.

3. Autopilot effect:
When we move through our days without much awareness — doing the same things, in the same way — our brains record fewer vivid memories, so time seems to “disappear.”

4. How to stretch time again:
Step out of autopilot and engage your attention in the present moment. Do things that require focus and bring your senses alive — activities you can’t do absent-mindedly like dancing, gardening, or creating.

5. Connection and presence:
Spend time with people you truly enjoy. Real conversations and shared experiences anchor you in the moment and make time feel rich, full, and memorable.