OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the association between spousal bereavement and cognitive functioning among Pakistani community dwelling older adults. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was completed in Pakistan in 2022-2023. A total sample of 135 bereaved older adults (M RESULTS: Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between normative grief, complicated grief and cognitive functioning. Results generated, using PROCESS Macro Model 4 after controlling for age and duration of bereavement, revealed that normative grief and cognitive functioning were partially mediated by social rhythms. No mediation was formed after controlling for education. Complicated grief and cognitive functioning were not mediated by social rhythms. Perceived social support did not moderate the relationship between normative grief and complicated grief. However, only the perceived support from family moderated the relationship between complicated grief and cognitive functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Social rhythm regularity did not mediate cognitive decline among grieving older adults. However, results highlight the importance of support from family in preventing cognitive decline. Findings suggested that understanding the underlying pathways associated with cognitive decline among older adults are vital for the development of specific intervention and prevention strategies.