Which demographic is considered most at risk when experiencing environmental distress?

Children and the elderly are considered the most at risk when experiencing environmental distress due to their heightened vulnerabilities and varying capacities to cope with such stressors.

Children are particularly susceptible because they are still developing physically and psychologically; they rely on caregivers for safety and support. Their ability to understand and mitigate stressors is limited, making them more affected by adverse environmental conditions.

The elderly, on the other hand, often face decreased physical resilience and more chronic health issues, which can be exacerbated by environmental stressors such as extreme weather, pollution, or social isolation. They may also have less access to resources necessary to cope with or escape these distressing situations.

In contrast, university students and middle-aged adults typically possess more resources and coping mechanisms to deal with environmental challenges, while professionals in urban areas may experience environmental distress related to factors unique to their environments but generally have support networks and access to services that can alleviate the impact of such stress. Therefore, the demographic group of children and the elderly stands out as the most vulnerable population in the face of environmental distress.