Otis Viva: Elevating Independence for an Aging Urban Population

CANNES, France – March 10, 2026 – Otis Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: OTIS) today announced a significant step toward future-proofing urban infrastructure with the launch of its Otis Viva™ solutions. Unveiled at MIPIM, the world’s leading real estate exhibition, this new suite of elevator features is purpose-built to address the mobility needs of a rapidly aging global population. By focusing on enhanced safety, reliability, and intuitive operation, Otis aims to empower older adults to live more independent, active, and connected lives.

The initiative comes as demographic forecasts from the World Health Organization predict the number of people aged 60 and older will double by 2050. This profound societal shift presents a critical challenge for cities and building owners to adapt their environments. Otis is positioning itself at the forefront of this transformation.

"How well our buildings and infrastructure serve people tomorrow depends on how quickly and thoughtfully we improve and adapt them today," said Otis Chair, CEO and President Judy Marks in a statement. "As global populations continue to age, access and autonomy in everyday mobility become essential. Otis is focused on delivering solutions at pace that remove barriers and support independence, helping people connect and thrive at every stage of life."

A Human-Centered Approach to Vertical Mobility

At the core of the Otis Viva solutions is a philosophy of human-centered design that goes beyond basic functionality. While competitors like Schindler, Kone, and TK Elevator offer various accessibility features, Otis has branded a holistic package specifically tailored to the nuanced requirements of older passengers. The goal is not just to transport people, but to instill confidence and reduce the anxiety often associated with navigating multi-story buildings.

The features are both practical and thoughtfully integrated. Enhanced, brighter lighting improves visibility within the car, reducing trip hazards and creating a greater sense of security. Clear, distinct visual and auditory signals for floor arrivals and door movements cater to individuals with hearing or vision impairments. Handrails have been incorporated for added stability, providing physical support for those who may have issues with balance. Furthermore, the solutions focus on creating easier entry and exit, a critical interaction point where many older adults feel rushed or unsafe.

This suite of features, designed to improve the overall ride experience, moves the conversation from mere compliance with accessibility standards to a more profound focus on user well-being. By addressing the sensory, cognitive, and physical needs of an aging demographic, the Viva solutions aim to make daily journeys more comfortable and instinctive for everyone, not just those who need them most.

The Business Case for Building Accessibility

For real estate developers, property managers, and building owners, the launch of Otis Viva presents a compelling business case that extends far beyond social responsibility. In a market increasingly defined by a "graying" consumer base, buildings that prioritize accessibility are poised for a significant competitive advantage. Adopting these solutions is an investment in future-proofing assets against the inevitable demands of an aging tenancy.

Otis has structured the Viva offering with maximum flexibility to lower the barrier to entry. The solutions can be integrated as targeted upgrades into millions of existing elevators, allowing building owners to make meaningful improvements without committing to a full and costly modernization. This enables a phased approach where owners control the scope, cost, and pace of enhancements. This is crucial for older building stock where elevators are present but may not meet modern accessibility expectations.

Alternatively, Viva solutions will come as a standard feature in all new installations of the company's flagship Otis Gen3™ and Gen360™ elevator systems. These modern platforms already feature compact, space-saving designs that make it easier to add elevators to buildings where none previously existed, a vital step in enabling residents to age in place. By incorporating Viva, these new installations will deliver advanced accessibility from day one.

This strategic approach helps building owners increase property value, enhance tenant satisfaction and retention, and differentiate their properties in a crowded marketplace. An accessible building is a more valuable and desirable asset, capable of attracting and retaining a wider demographic of residents and commercial tenants.

Beyond Compliance in an Age-Friendly City

The development of Otis Viva is a direct response to the intersection of two powerful global forces: demographic change and evolving regulatory landscapes. Governments worldwide are strengthening accessibility mandates, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States and the European Union's Accessibility Act. While these regulations set a baseline, the Viva solutions are designed to help building owners exceed minimum requirements, positioning them as leaders in inclusive design.

This proactive approach is critical in the context of the growing "age-friendly city" movement. For many older adults, the ability to age in place—to remain in their homes and familiar communities—is a primary determinant of their quality of life. However, this desire is often thwarted by physical barriers in their environment. An out-of-service or poorly designed elevator can effectively trap an older resident in their apartment, leading to social isolation and a decline in health.

By making vertical transportation safer, more reliable, and more comfortable, Otis is providing a key piece of the puzzle for creating truly livable urban environments for all ages. The technology enables greater autonomy and encourages continued participation in community life, which are cornerstones of healthy aging.

Global Rollout and a Tangible Commitment

Otis is set for a broad international launch of the Viva solutions beginning in May 2026. The initial rollout will target eleven key markets: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This wide-ranging debut underscores the global nature of the demographic shift and the universal need for such solutions.

To demonstrate its commitment in a tangible way, Otis has already put its technology to work. As part of its participation at MIPIM, the company donated and installed select Viva solutions to refurbish an elevator at a senior living center in Le Cannet, France. This project, managed by the Groupe SOS Seniors association, serves as a real-world showcase of how targeted upgrades can immediately remove mobility barriers and improve the daily lives of residents.

The Viva solutions are an integral part of Otis's wider technological ecosystem, which leverages the Otis ONE™ Internet of Things (IoT) platform to provide real-time data for predictive maintenance and improved uptime. By combining this digital backbone with thoughtful, human-centered design, Otis is helping to shape the future of urban mobility, ensuring that as our world grows taller and smarter, it also grows more inclusive.