Characteristics of populations classified as vulnerable can include economic status, those in racial and ethnic minorities, uninsured, low-income children, elderly, homeless, and other chronic health conditions, including severe mental illness. Vulnerable populations experience "significant disparities" in life expectancy, healthcare, morbidity and mortality.
Vulnerable populations: who are they? (2006). The American Journal of Managed Care, 12(13 Suppl), S348–S352