Which term refers to individuals requiring extra protection, such as children and the elderly?

The term "vulnerable populations" is used to describe individuals who may be at higher risk of experiencing harm, exploitation, or inadequate access to resources because of their specific characteristics or circumstances. This category often includes children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and other groups that may require additional protections due to their potential for experiencing abuse, neglect, or discrimination. Recognizing these individuals as part of vulnerable populations highlights the need for society to implement measures that ensure their safety, well-being, and access to necessary services.

While "protected populations" and "at-risk groups" may also refer to similar concepts, they don't specifically encapsulate the inherent fragility and need for special consideration that the term "vulnerable populations" conveys. "Support groups," on the other hand, typically refer to groups of individuals who come together to share experiences and provide emotional or practical support, rather than relating directly to a classification of at-risk individuals in need of protection. Thus, identifying individuals as part of vulnerable populations underscores their specific needs and the responsibility of others to advocate for their rights and safety.