AIM: This paper examines aspects of pandemic policy responses to the COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 variants and presents an integrated view of the consequences of response tactics at national and health service levels for older adults. BACKGROUND: Nurses are positioned at the intersection of health service and policy implementation; therefore, their influence on clinical protocols and health policy directions post pandemic is crucial to preventing further premature deaths in the 65+ years age group and others. SOURCES OF EVIDENCE: Perspectives presented here are based on a critical evaluation of the many published reports, comments, research and insights concerning the pandemic. That evidence, combined with my experience in various fields of study and professional service, enables me to envisage what some decisions and policies may mean for older people, nurses and societies worldwide. DISCUSSION: Established information on world population patterns and the location and health of national groups has been made less reliable by population shifts caused by years of geo-political conflicts and now the impact of the pandemic. Added to this already chaotic context, the pandemic has further disrupted societies, health services and economies. Ageist responses by these systems have further disadvantaged older people and generated trust deficits that need to be resolved. CONCLUSION: When the pandemic recedes, policy and management decisions taken by governments and hospital administrators will be a telling indicator of whether the established systematic ageism exposed during the pandemic will continue to compromise the health and longevity of older adults. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING, HEALTH AND SOCIAL POLICY: The ascendency of nursing influence within the health and social policy environment must be further strengthened to enable nurses to champion equity and fairness in the pandemic recovery effort.