SAT II Writing ~8 (timed essay - 20 minutes)
We live in a society where old age and weak health are considered somewhat undesirable, as if it is a defeat to be old, while in many aspects, it is a true victory. Old age is a proof of a person's persistence and passion to keep on living, and also, a tremendous benefit to the society as living witnesses of history and accumulated knowledge.
It is undisputed that everyone meets hardship while living, hardship undesirable and devastating enough to tempt a person to give in and put an end to living. Suicide and self-made decision for euthanasia instead of struggling against a disease are examples of such giving-in's. Old age is a proof and an award to the individual who shows the strength to keep on living and challege.
In this sense, it is truly a victory.
Old people contribute to the society as the source of invaluable knowledge and experience from the past. Survivors of concentration camps can vividly describe the horror of holocaust and teach the young in a way no artifact or a book can. Wisdom from the accumulated experience and constant dealings can provide the wisest advice to the politicians. This form of contribution to the society gives another reason why old age is a genuine accomplishment.
Old age proves a person's great inner strength to gladly meet challeges and win to keep on living; it definitely adds on quality to the individuality. Furthermore, its vast knowledge and wisdom from past contribute much to the society in general. Considering these two factors, there is no way old age can be viewed as a negative factor, let alone a defeat.