PhD defence S.A (Sophie) Korenhof

Independent and Healthy Ageing Health promotion and monitoring of health, lifestyle and well-being of older people in Europe

On Wednesday 14 October 2026, S.A. Korenhof will defend the doctoral thesis titled: Independent and Healthy Ageing Health promotion and monitoring of health, lifestyle and well-being of older people in Europe

Promotor
Prof. dr. H. Raat
Co-promotor
Dr. A. van Grieken
Date
Wednesday 14 Oct 2026, 15:30 - 17:00
Type
PhD defence
Space
Professor Andries Querido Hall
Building
Education Centre
Location
Erasmus MC
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Below is a brief summary of the dissertation:

How can we support people to stay healthy, independent, and engaged as they age?
This PhD thesis explores factors that influence healthy ageing and evaluates innovative approaches to promote well-being among older adults. The research highlights the role of fear of falling, frailty, functional limitations, multimorbidity, and loneliness in shaping health-related quality of life. It also examines emerging technologies, such as the use of energy and water consumption data to support independent living, and evaluates two European self-management programs for people with chronic conditions: SEFAC and EFFICHRONIC. The findings show that self-management interventions can improve perceived health, psychosocial well-being, and quality of life, while potentially reducing healthcare utilization. Together, these studies provide new insights into healthy ageing and offer practical directions for strengthening prevention, self-management, and integrated care for older adults across Europe.

More information


The public defence will start exactly at 15.30 hrs. The doors will be closed once the public defence starts, latecomers can access the hall via the fourth floor. Given the solemn nature of the meeting, we advise not to bring children under the age of 6 to the first part of the ceremony.
A livestream link has been provided to candidate.

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