REVIEW
Public Health Rev.
Vertical Lift Systems and Health Outcomes in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Rapid Review
- VB
Verena Biehl 1
- DA
Denise Abegglen 1
- AF
Adrian Fassbind 2
- TM
Thomas Michael Ballmer 3
- KN
Karin Nordström 1
1. Institute of Public Health, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland
2. Institute of Product Development and Production Technologies, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland
3. Institute of Occupational Therapy, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland
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Abstract
Objectives: Despite Switzerland's aging population increasingly wishes to age in place in familiar homes, many dwellings are not barrier-free. Retrofitting of vertical lift systems as home adaptations in private housing can support aging-in-place but are still rarely installed. Thus, this study examines the association between lift systems in the home environment and health outcomes among community-dwelling older adults. Methods: A rapid review was conducted to identify and summarize existing evidence. Seventeen studies were included and the results clustered into the categories presence of lifts, usage of lifts and health outcomes. Results: The review shows that lifts in private housing are scarce and frequently fail to meet the specific needs of users. Usage depends on age, gender, health status, technical and financial as-pects. Positive health outcomes include improved mobility, autonomy, safety and quality of life, while lack of lifts can restrict mobility and autonomy. Conclusion: The results highlight the need for affordable, individualized lift systems supported by advice and policy measures. Such innovations can help reduce inequalities and enable older adults to remain safely in their homes and communities.
Summary
Keywords
Aging-in-place, community dwelling older adults, home adaptations, Public Health, vertical lift systems
Received
07 August 2025
Accepted
30 December 2025
Copyright
© 2026 Biehl, Abegglen, Fassbind, Ballmer and Nordström. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Verena Biehl, biev@zhaw.ch
Disclaimer
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