Which aging theory describes aging as wear and tear from use over time?

• A. Genetic programming
• B. Metabolic theory
• C. Wear and tear
• D. Nutritional deficiency

Answer: (C)

Aging as cumulative damage from use over time. This wear-and-tear perspective says everyday activity, stress, environmental exposures, and microscopic injuries to cells and tissues build up over years. The body can repair some of this damage, but not all of it, so function gradually declines as total damage accumulates. This fits observations like joint wear, reduced skin elasticity from repeated exposure, and gradual organ changes, which come from ongoing use rather than being pre-programmed or caused mainly by nutrient shortages. Other theories describe aging as something built into our genes or driven by how fast we burn energy, or as issues from not getting enough nutrients, but wear and tear best captures aging as a gradual accumulation of damage from daily life. In practice, this view supports strategies to minimize ongoing stress and damage—balanced activity, proper ergonomics, protection from harmful exposures, and good nutrition—to help slower, healthier aging.