The paper examines that phenomenon of widowhood, which has become a natural attribute of a woman's old age because of her greater life expectancy when compared with her husband. Researchers have discovered that, although problems of widowhood have attracted little serious inquiry, one of every five women who face conjugal bereavement need outside help to return to a state of physical and mental well-being. New patterns of health care for this ever-increasing number of women include "widow-to-widow programs" wherein trained widow aides give direct help to the recently bereaved, voluntary organizations sponsored by religious orders, and widow consultation services provided by private and government agencies. The author feels that further scientific inquiry is needed to identify those variables associated with high morale and those which correlate with low life satisfaction following bereavement. References are included. (Author/SES)