Time perception and age.
Our internal clock system is predominantly dopaminergic, but memory is predominantly cholinergic. Here, we examined the common sensibility encapsulated in the statement: "time goes faster as we get older".


OBJECTIVE
To measure a 2 min time interval, counted mentally in subjects of different age groups.


METHODS
233 healthy subjects (129 women) were divided into three age groups: G1, 15-29 years; G2, 30-49 years; and G3, 50-89 years. Subjects were asked to close their eyes and mentally count the passing of 120 s.


RESULTS
The elapsed times were: G1, mean = 114.9 ± 35 s; G2, mean = 96.0 ± 34.3 s; G3, mean = 86.6 ± 34.9 s. The ANOVA-Bonferroni multiple comparison test showed that G3 and G1 results were significantly different (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Mental calculations of 120 s were shortened by an average of 24.6% (28.3 s) in individuals over age 50 years compared to individuals under age 30 years.
Departamento de Ciências Neurológicas, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil.
Vanessa Fernanda Moreira
VF
Ferreira
Departamento de Ciências Neurológicas, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil.
Gabriel Pina
GP
Paiva
Departamento de Ciências Neurológicas, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil.
Natália
N
Prando
Departamento de Ciências Neurológicas, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil.
Carla Renata
CR
Graça
Departamento de Ciências Neurológicas, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil.
João Aris
JA
Kouyoumdjian
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D059329:Cholinergic Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism; D059290:Dopaminergic Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors; D013998:Time Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
D004298:Dopamine