Vulnerable

[Longjumpinghome]

This word is frequently used inappropristelty e.g regarding criteria for electric blankets from energy companies.

What does it mean when someone is vulnerable?

adjective. Someone who is vulnerable is weak and without protection, with the result that they are easily hurt physically or emotionally. Old people can often be particularly vulnerable members of our society.

What they actually mean is those in financial difficulties/ poor. Why not say it as it is? E.g you don't get an electric blanket if you have a stalker.

Guessing this is the dictionary you got the definition from OP

Someone who is vulnerable is weak and without protection, with the result, that they are easily hurt physically or emotionally.
Old people are often particularly vulnerable members of our society.

That's the definition you quoted. It continues to give other examples/definitions:

If a person, animal, or plant is vulnerable to a disease, they are more likely to get it than other people, animals, or plants.
People with high blood pressure are especially vulnerable to diabetes.
Plants that are growing vigorously are less likely to be vulnerable to disease

Something that is vulnerable can be easily harmed or affected by something bad.
Their tanks would be vulnerable to attack from the air.
...a table showing which cars are most vulnerable to theft.
The financial sector could be vulnerable in a prolonged economic slump.

https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/vulnerable

Elderly people tend to be more vulnerable to the cold.

Separately, an elderly person on a low income will be extra vulnerable - because being elderly, they're more vulnerable to the cold and being poor, they're more vulnerable to being unable to afford measures to combat the cold.