The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have been associated with increased social isolation and reduced participation in older adults. This longitudinal qualitative study drew on life course theory to analyse data from a series of four sequential semi-structured interviews conducted between May 2020–February 2021 with adults aged 65+ (n = 12) to explore older adults’ experiences adjusting to the COVID-19 pandemic. We identified three themes: (1) Struggling ‘You realize how much you lost’ describes how older adults lost freedoms, social connections and activities; (2) Adapting ‘whatever happens, happens, I’ll do my best’, revealing how older adults tried to maintain well-being, participation and connection; and (3) Appreciating ‘enjoy what you have’, exploring how older adults found pleasure and contentment. Engagement in meaningful activities and high-quality social interactions supported well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic for older adults. This finding highlights the need for policies and services to promote engagement during longstanding global crises.

COVID-19 大流行的限制与增加的社会隔离和减少老年人的参与有关。这项纵向定性研究利用生命历程理论分析了 2020 年 5 月至 2021 年 2 月期间对 65 岁以上（ n = 12）的成年人进行的一系列四次连续半结构化访谈的数据，以探索老年人适应 COVID- 19 流行病。我们确定了三个主题： (1)挣扎“你意识到你失去了多少”描述了老年人如何失去自由、社会联系和活动；(2)改编“无论发生什么，发生什么，我都会尽力而为”，揭示老年人如何努力保持幸福、参与和联系；(3)欣赏“享受你所拥有的”，探索老年人如何找到快乐和满足。在 COVID-19 大流行期间，参与有意义的活动和高质量的社交互动支持老年人的幸福感。这一发现强调了在长期全球危机期间促进参与的政策和服务的必要性。