Beyond lifespan and healthspan: a biological framework for experienced longevity

, defined as the amount of lived time subjectively contained within a fixed chronological interval. Drawing on established distinctions between retrospective and prospective duration judgments, I argue that long-interval temporal compression reflects memory-structured reconstruction rather than altered internal timekeeping. Building on event segmentation theory, I propose that experiential density - the number and distinctiveness of retrievable experience units per unit time - determines whether extended intervals are remembered as compressed or expanded. I present the Neuroenergetic Constraint Model, which posits that aging-related reductions in mitochondrial efficiency, increased vascular stiffness, and diminished nitric oxide-mediated neurovascular coupling constrain neuroenergetic flexibility. Reduced energetic reserve may limit high-fidelity updating during ongoing experience, weaken event segmentation, decrease experiential density, and increase the probability of retrospective temporal compression. The model generates falsifiable predictions linking biological markers of neuroenergetic reserve (e.g., metabolic efficiency, arterial stiffness, endothelial function) to segmentation performance and retrospective duration judgments, particularly under high-demand conditions. If supported, this framework expands aging science beyond survival and function to include the biological structuring of lived time.

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Publication Details

Journal
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience
Published
2026-04-07
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2026.1815030
Primary Topic
Aging and Gerontology Research
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Beyond lifespan and healthspan: a biological framework for experienced longevity

Tomas Liubertas
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience
Aging and Gerontology Research
article

Beyond lifespan and healthspan: a biological framework for experienced longevity

Tomas Liubertas
article en

Abstract

, defined as the amount of lived time subjectively contained within a fixed chronological interval. Drawing on established distinctions between retrospective and prospective duration judgments, I argue that long-interval temporal compression reflects memory-structured reconstruction rather than altered internal timekeeping. Building on event segmentation theory, I propose that experiential density - the number and distinctiveness of retrievable experience units per unit time - determines whether extended intervals are remembered as compressed or expanded. I present the Neuroenergetic Constraint Model, which posits that aging-related reductions in mitochondrial efficiency, increased vascular stiffness, and diminished nitric oxide-mediated neurovascular coupling constrain neuroenergetic flexibility. Reduced energetic reserve may limit high-fidelity updating during ongoing experience, weaken event segmentation, decrease experiential density, and increase the probability of retrospective temporal compression. The model generates falsifiable predictions linking biological markers of neuroenergetic reserve (e.g., metabolic efficiency, arterial stiffness, endothelial function) to segmentation performance and retrospective duration judgments, particularly under high-demand conditions. If supported, this framework expands aging science beyond survival and function to include the biological structuring of lived time.

Frontiers in Aging NeuroscienceVol. 18
California Wellness Foundation (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 25%
Aging and Gerontology Research
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