Bay Shore NY
8-25-2026 8:49am

Making Lasting Memories as We Age

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK

The temperature is cooler this morning as I sit at my desk writing this article. My window is open, and the air conditioner if off. I'm not ready for summer to wind down just yet.

Like many of my readers, I wait all year for summer. It feels like the shortest season jam packed with things to do, places to go, and people to see. I've had some luscious beach days this summer, and I want more. La Spiaggia!

The sun may be setting a little earlier as we head into September next week, but it's not back to school for this recent retiree from Farmingdale State College. It's back to a new routine that is still being worked out. I don't want to waste a minute.

As we get older, time does seem to go faster. So, why is that? Here's a little insight I found on scienceinsights.org ScienceInsights - Exploring the Frontiers of Knowledge

Time feels faster as we age because our brains form fewer new memories, process sensory information more slowly, and judge each year as a smaller fraction of our life. Research shows reduced novelty, cognitive slowing, and proportional time effects all contribute to this accelerating subjective experience.

Key Reasons Time Feels Faster

1. Fewer New Experiences → Fewer Memories

  • Novel events create dense, vivid memories that make periods feel long in hindsight.
  • Childhood and early adulthood are filled with “firsts,” producing rich memory storage.
  • As routine increases with age, fewer distinct memories form, compressing the feeling of time. 

2. Cognitive Processing Slows Down

  • Older adults process fewer “mental snapshots” per second due to slower neural signaling and reduced eye movement speed.
  • With fewer perceptual frames, each moment feels shorter. 

3. Proportional (Logarithmic) Time Theory

  • A year at age 5 is 20% of your life; at age 50, it’s only 2%.
  • Your brain compares time intervals to your total lived experience, making each year feel progressively smaller.
  • This creates a logarithmic compression of subjective time. 

4. Fewer Neural “Event Boundaries”

  • Neuroimaging shows older brains segment experiences into fewer distinct events.
  • When the brain registers fewer transitions, the entire period feels shorter in retrospect.
  • This aligns with age-related neuronal dedifferentiation. 

5. Routine vs. Attention

  • Routine puts the brain on autopilot, reducing memory formation.
  • Novelty and emotional engagement slow perceived time by increasing attention and memory density.

In Summary 

Across cognitive, perceptual, and mathematical explanations, the consensus is that time feels faster with age because the brain records fewer distinct experiences and processes the world more slowly. If this is the case, I think we need to make more firsts. We may not experience the same thrill we once did when we were younger, but we can still keep our mind open to new experiences. After all, there's still so much we haven't done yet. 

I admit, I like to sleep in later now that I can. But I also like to be productive. I'm open to trying new things as long as they're not too stressful. Life is not as spontaneous as it once was, so planning is more practical now. Upon awakening each day, try to embrace the morning a little differently with the possibility of creating new, lasting memories. There's still so much ahead. Keep going!

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, there's still so much we haven't experienced. Make a plan so you can create a new lasting memory.

Me singing "I Don't Want to Wait in Vain" by Bob Marley at a party recently. A first for me.

SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK

My pick of the week Blues on the River in Grangebel Park in Riverhead this Saturday, August 29th from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Come get your blues on!

SKYLARK'S HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

The highlight of the week was spending the day Monday at Cupsogue Beach with dear friends. It was truly a perfect summer day.

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S ITALIAN PHRASE OF WEEK

English: May you make new, lasting memories that bring you joy as you age.

Italian: Che tu possa creare ricordi nuovi e duraturi, capaci di darti gioia man mano che invecchi.

SKYLARK'S INTERIOR DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK

Palm trees can add an exotic atmosphere to a home. Don't be afraid to try something new.

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What new memories will you make?

Please put your answer in the Comment section below this post. I'd love to hear from you.

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - SOUL SACRIFICE by CARLOS SANTANA

This video from Woodstock in 1969 has lasting value. Carlos Santana is still making new music as he ages. I saw him this summer at Jones Beach. He may sit more while he plays, but his music is as fresh as ever. The master of the electric guitar is still creating lasting memories through his music.

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MY BRAND - SKYLARK LIVE

I created my brand, Skylark Live, when I turned 60 years old and noticed a profound shift in this age. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in mature ageing through knowledge and self-awareness. I am open to conducting in-person conversations called The Skylark Sessions. These can be held in someone’s home or at a local library or senior center. To be continued.

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Thank you for your love and support! Grazie per il vostro amore e sostegno!

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