Meaning of the word "it's better to wear out than rust out" in English

What does "it's better to wear out than rust out" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

it's better to wear out than rust out

US /ɪts ˈbetər tu wer aʊt ðæn rʌst aʊt/
UK /ɪts ˈbetə tu weər aʊt ðæn rʌst aʊt/
"it's better to wear out than rust out" picture

Idiom

it is better to remain active and useful until the end of one's life than to become useless through inactivity

Example:
My grandfather refuses to retire, saying it's better to wear out than rust out.
She keeps taking on new projects because she believes it's better to wear out than rust out.