Older persons
As a group, elderly persons typically have elevated levels of vulnerability even in good times -- physical and mental infirmities, specific health and nutritional needs and separation from their families. Despite this vulnerability (and despite the principle of ensuring that aid goes to those most in need), the elderly often find themselves marginalized in crisis situations: left behind as communities flee, sidelined by programming objectives that focus on other vulnerable groups (e.g., children), or unable to find the specialized care they require.