Changing demographics, especially the increasing share of the aging population, underline the importance of accessibility in buildings and urban infrastructure. Being able to live at home and move around easily and safely are important aspects of improved quality of life.
In 2009, more than four million buildings with staircases of three floors or higher in Europe will still be without an elevator. Elevators help elderly residents live in their apartments longer, make life easier for families with children and help all residents to move around easily, thus adding value to a property.