The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the pervasive ageism that exists in our society. Although instances of negative or hostile ageism have been identified, critical attention to the nuances of ageism throughout the pandemic, such as the prevalence and implications of positive or compassionate ageism, has lagged in comparison. This commentary uses stereotype content theory to extend the conversation regarding COVID-19 and ageism to include compassionate ageism. We offer the ‘caremongering’ movement, a social movement driven by social media to help individuals impacted by COVID-19, as a case study example that illustrates how compassionate ageism has manifested during the pandemic. The implications of compassionate ageism that have and continue to occur during the pandemic are discussed using stereotype embodiment theory. Future actions that focus on shifting attention from the intent of ageist actions and beliefs to the outcomes for those experiencing them is needed. Further, seeking older individuals’ consent when help is offered, recognizing the diversity of aging experiences, and thinking critically about ageism in its multiple and varied forms are all required.

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Adult day programs (ADPs) provide community-based supervised recreational services to older adults living with chronic conditions and their caregivers. Most ADPs continued operating during the pandemic, tasking directors with the responsibility of managing the complexities of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. This study explored how ADP directors managed and experienced the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 ADP directors from a large health care region in Ontario. Thematic analysis resulted in four themes that detailed how participants: 1) responded to the pandemic with adapted services; 2) navigated the pandemic responses within systems and organizations, and with each other, clients, and caregivers; 3) felt personally during the pandemic; and 4) gained new insights on their clients and the importance of ADPs in the health care system due to the pandemic. Findings highlight pre-existing and emerging gaps and opportunities within ADP service provision for clients and caregivers, as well as service providers and directors.

COVID-19 has significantly changed the way we engage in leisure. The influence of public health measures and messaging on leisure put older and younger people alike at increased risk of stress, anxiety, loneliness, and isolation. Despite these similar experiences, ageism and tensions between generations intensified during the pandemic. Thus, it is imperative to encourage strategies that foster connections and solidarity between generations, such as participating in intergenerational family leisure. Intergenerational family leisure can both attenuate negative outcomes heightened or created by the pandemic (i.e., risk reduction) and increase positive experiences (i.e., wellness promotion). However, it is important to recognize that intergenerational family leisure may not be available, or ideal, for everyone, especially during the pandemic. There are longstanding and pandemic-specific pitfalls to engaging in intergenerational family leisure that need to be considered. Further, the conditions and handling of the COVID-19 pandemic have complicated family leisure in paradoxical ways. Many contradictions emerge as we navigate social systems and personal experiences when engaging in intergenerational family leisure during the pandemic. This paper critically presents some of the potentials, pitfalls, and paradoxes associated with connecting multiple generations in and through family leisure during the pandemic.