Current studies on loneliness suggest that it has harmful impacts on mental and physical health similar to smoking or alcoholism. Loneliness is an issue present in all age groups, but older adults might be at an increased risk because of frequent experiences of loss (such as their spouse, family members and peers), and the movement away from their established social networks to move closer to children or into a long-term care facility. Fortunately, there are various ways that loneliness can be prevented or reduced.