So how can this be? Well, in our research,we've found that these changes are grounded fundamentally in the uniquely human ability to monitor timenot just clock time and calendar time, but lifetime.And if there's a paradox of aging,it's that recognizing that we won't live forever changes our perspective on life in positive ways.When time horizons are long and nebulous, as they typically are in youth, people are constantly preparing,trying to soak up all the information they possibly can, taking risks, exploring.We might spend time with people we don't even like because it's somehow interesting.We might learn something unexpected. We go on blind dates.You know, after all, if it doesn't work out, there's always tomorrow.People over 50 don't go on blind dates.
