Which theory describes aging as the body wearing out over time?

• A. Genetic theories
• B. Wear-and-tear theories
• C. Cellular theories
• D. Types of care facilities

Answer: (B)

Aging as the body wearing out over time is described by wear-and-tear theories. Over years, tissues and organs accumulate damage from daily use, injuries, and environmental stresses, and repair processes can become less efficient, leading to progressive decline in function. It’s a simple, non-genetic view—like a machine that wears down with use. Other options point to aging being programmed by genes or to cellular-level mechanisms such as telomere shortening and oxidative damage, which explain how aging happens inside cells rather than as overall cumulative wear. The idea of care facilities doesn’t address aging mechanisms at all. So, wear-and-tear best fits the description.