Title: Mind matters in later life: Psychological wellbeing, mental health and therapeutic intervention in older adults Chairperson: Eliza Matas Presenters: Andrew Dennis, Eliza Matas, Deborah Koder, Lysha Zhi Yan Lee, Avick Rahman, Peta Prindiville Introduction and Background Mental health conditions are prevalent yet persistently underrecognised in older adult populations. Depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and eating disorders affect significant proportions of older adults across community and residential aged care settings, yet research has historically concentrated on physical health and deficit-based models of ageing. Emerging evidence highlights resilience, adaptive coping, and psychological growth even in the context of chronic illness and institutional care. Purpose and Aims This symposium advances clinical understanding of mental health in older adulthood through six empirical investigations examining: how older adults experience psychological wellbeing amid chronic illness and mental health conditions; how conditions are recognised and help-seeking initiated; and what therapeutic interventions improve psychological outcomes. Overview of Presentations Presentations include: a quantitative study of flourishing and mature happiness in Parkinson's Disease; a qualitative framework analysis of anorexia nervosa in Australian older adults; regression findings on predictors of suicidal ideation in nursing home residents; a pilot evaluation of a clinician-facilitated group reminiscence program in residential aged care; a feasibility study of online life review therapy for mood and life satisfaction; and a qualitative investigation of mental health beliefs using the Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation. Expected Learning Outcomes Attendees will recognise the complexity of mental health presentations across community and residential care settings; identify evidence-informed psychological interventions feasible in aged care contexts; apply lived experience insights to improve clinical engagement with older adults; and reflect on how resilience-oriented frameworks can inform more holistic models of mental health care in later life.