Large objects are perceived to last longer. This is one example for the interference of time and space in perception. While some studies find a symmetrical interference, others find an asymmetrical interference, with time judgements being more influenced by spatial properties than vice versa.
Time-space interferences are well documented in infants, children, and younger adults. Surprisingly, we do not know if and how these effects might change with increasing age.
To investigate this question, older (>60) and younger (<35) adults were presented with an either small vs. large room through a head-mounted display for a short vs. long duration. After presentation, participants were asked to either reproduce the room size or the duration that the room was presented for.
The cross-dimensional interference effects were quantified by the room size affecting the judgment of duration and, conversely, duration affecting the judgment of room size.
Our results show a bi-directional, symmetrical interference between space and time. The effect was the same for older and younger adults.
Our results point to time-space interferences persisting, but not increasing in healthy aging.