Vertical Transportation and Age-Friendly Urban Renewal: A Systematic Framework for Sustainable and Inclusive Communities

Abstract

Improving living conditions, public services, and social safety nets in the aging residential areas is a core component of community renewal. Age-friendly development calls for integrated improvements in accessibility, safety, comfort, and aesthetics, which are essential for meeting the mobility needs of older adults and people with disabilities. Vertical transportation upgrades, especially elevators and barrier-free design, are critical interventions, yet the lack of a systematic evaluation framework has limited a comprehensive assessment of their effectiveness. This study aims to establish a comprehensive evaluation framework that tightly integrates age-friendly development with vertical transportation improvements, providing detailed guidance to support the renewal of aging residential communities. Methods: We adopted the PRISMA 2020 systematic review methodology, performing a structured search of the Web of Science Core Collection from 2014 to 2024. After applying rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria, 61 studies were selected for in-depth analysis. Results: The review identifies four core dimensions—accessibility, safety, comfort, and aesthetics—that directly influence vertical transportation renovation outcomes. Key factors include step-free access such as ramps and slope compliance; elevator availability and reliability; lighting and anti-slip safety; waiting and riding comfort; and clear wayfinding through signage legibility. Innovation: Based on these findings, we propose an operational framework that not only defines these dimensions but also links them to measurable evaluation indicators and provides a step-by-step usage protocol. This framework enables policymakers and practitioners to design evidence-based renewal strategies, ensure equitable mobility for vulnerable groups, and promote sustainable, inclusive communities. The findings of this study can serve as a reference for future policy formulation, design practices, and empirical research on sustainable and age-friendly community renewal.