Humans have a wide range of vulnerabilities that can affect them at various ages and stages of life. Two major issues that leave human beings vulnerable are poverty and chronic illness. The vulnerable could potentially be the most fragile in society; the very old and the very young.
However, everyone is vulnerable at some point in their life. Age and circumstance have the greatest influence on who will be vulnerable and the reasons.
* Babies and the very young
Babies are vulnerable on all fronts. Because of their total dependence on others to supply their basic needs, and protect them from harm, they are vulnerable to the potential of becoming victims of poverty, illness, neglect and every other conceivable negative occurrence. Babies are indeed the most vulnerable of the human species.
* School-age children
Once children reach school age and their world expands beyond their home and family, they are more vulnerable to contracting contagious diseases, stranger danger and bullying. Their family circumstances might also make them vulnerable to poverty and physical, mental and sexual abuse.
* Teens
Teenagers are at the age most vulnerable to become victims of teenage pregnancy, sexually-transmitted diseases and rape. Poor judgment and ignorance are contributing factors for this age group. Impressionable teens are also highly vulnerable to eating disorders and suicidal tendencies.
* Middle age
With middle age approaching, the emphasis shifts from striving to achieve, to meditating upon accomplishments, unfulfilled dreams, and missed opportunities. This mindset leaves persons in their 40’s most vulnerable to debilitating mental conditions, such as depression and anxiety. They are also vulnerable to stress-related physical ailments.
* Elderly
The older generations are vulnerable to poverty, chronic progressive illnesses, decrease of mental capacity, and age discrimination. The elderly are the other most vulnerable segment of society for, like infants and the very young, they are sometimes dependent on the care giving of others.
Obesity is an issue that has no age, gender or race bias. Obese individuals at any age are vulnerable to a wide range of afflictions, including major health problems, like heart disease, diabetes, and discrimination in all areas of life.
Raising awareness of the vulnerabilities that humans are prone to, and at what ages susceptibility is the highest, will enable you to make effective choices to mitigate the chances of becoming victims of the situations and circumstances to which you might potentially be most vulnerable.
