ABSTRACT
The morality of suffering lies in the perception of its value to the life lived. Cultural and religious beliefs and traditions guide the elder in an examination of suffering's meaning and worth. A culture suggests suitable reactions to suffering, as well as whose suffering counts in a society. A wealth of literature explores suffering as a status of patienthood, or as an experience of illness, especially in older age. Patienthood is a distinct category for elders who are hospitalized or housed in a long-term care facility. For Mrs. Janson, the morality of suffering is to bear it, to endure it, and perhaps most significantly, to remember it. Money is an overarching symbol of morality for Mr. Gans, that is, a symbol of what is right and wrong, good and bad, helpful or harmful to one's peace of mind in this life, and to salvation in the next.
