Optimizing Urban Environments for Sustainable Development: Strategies and Practices to Enhance Mobility Among Older Adults

Mengshan Duan, Lizhen Xu, Yongkang Chen, Qun Zhao, Youxing Zhang, Xiangfen Cui () and Senlin Tian ()
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Mengshan Duan: School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
Lizhen Xu: School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
Yongkang Chen: School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
Qun Zhao: School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
Youxing Zhang: School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
Xiangfen Cui: School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
Senlin Tian: School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 8, 1-27

Abstract: Population aging is an irreversible global trend, with China experiencing an aging trajectory far exceeding that of most low- and middle-income and high-income countries. Emerging evidence highlights the urban built environment (BE) as a critical determinant of older adults’ travel behavior (TB), exerting a greater effect than commuter populations. However, findings on BE-TB associations remain inconsistent. This study systematically reviewed 46 studies from 1666 articles retrieved from Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases, applying CiteSpace 6.4.R1 for keyword co-occurrence and temporal clustering analysis. This review synthesizes research trends, theoretical frameworks, key determinants, and methodological approaches by integrating knowledge from multiple fields such as urban planning, transportation engineering, public health, and social policy. It provides a comprehensive perspective on how the BE influences the TBs of the aging population. This article can contribute to improving the quality of life for older adults, promoting intergenerational harmony, reducing healthcare costs, fostering economic development, and encouraging green transportation. By identifying critical gaps and future research directions, our findings offer insights to inform strategies for promoting healthy aging and sustainable urban development.

Keywords: built environment; travel behavior; older adult; systematic review; healthy aging; sustainable development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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