Time as an Index of Expanding Consciousness With Age

Abstract

Subjective time is explored as a developmental phenomenon of man's expanding consciousness. Eighty-five subjects, 60 to 88 years of age (X = 71.5) were tested to ascertain the relationship between age, movement (preferred walking rate), and time (perceived duration of a 40-second interval). Findings were compared to previous data on two younger age groups. Neither the age-time nor the movement-time relationship was confirmed in this sample. However, a trend toward increased subjective time with age was suggested when comparisons were made across a broader age group. Sex and hemispheric lateralization may have influenced results and need consideration in further study of this problem.