The Role of Purpose in Life in the Relationship Between Widowhood and Cognitive Decline Among Older Adults in the U.S.

•What is the primary question addressed by this study?We examined the role of purpose in life in the relationship between widowhood and cognitive decline in a representative sample of older adults in the U.S.•What is the main finding of this study?Higher purpose in life buffers against the detrimental effects of widowhood on cognitive functioning of older adults.•What is the meaning of the finding?Educational programs improving purpose in life would help reduce the adverse effect of widowhood on cognitive functioning in later life.