Stijn De Baets

Stijn is an occupational therapist and postdoctoral researcher at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (FRIA), with a research interest in healthy ageing, participation in daily life, and integrated care. His work focuses on enabling people to engage in the activities that are meaningful to them, thereby supporting health, autonomy, and quality of life throughout the ageing process. He is particularly interested in how person-centred, integrated care can optimise daily functioning, participation, and independence for older adults and people living with chronic conditions. His research combines clinical rehabilitation, health services research, and implementation science to develop evidence-based approaches that strengthen participation and support meaningful living across the lifespan.

Main areas of interest:

• Healthy ageing
• Participation in daily life and meaningful occupations
• Daily functioning and quality of life
• Person-centred and integrated care
• Health policy and healthcare organisation
• International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)
• Functional assessment and rehabilitation outcomes
• Lived experiences of older adults and people with chronic conditions
• Qualitative and mixed-methods research