What term describes the natural physical decline caused by aging?

Senescence refers specifically to the process of aging where there is a gradual decline in physical and psychological functions as individuals grow older. This term encapsulates the biological changes that occur over time, reflecting the deterioration of cellular and physiological systems.

In the context of developmental psychology, understanding senescence is important as it highlights the inevitable changes that come with aging, affecting health, mobility, and overall quality of life. It encompasses a wide range of changes, from the decline in sensory perception to decreased muscle mass and changes in cognitive functioning.

The other choices describe different aspects of aging but do not specifically capture the natural and biological decline associated with the aging process itself. For instance, age-related decline refers to specific issues that arise due to aging, while chronological aging simply describes the passage of time. Functional decline focuses on the diminishing capabilities in day-to-day tasks and overall physical function, but it doesn't encompass the entirety of the aging process as senescence does.