The stats are in on loneliness - - more than a third of adults are chronically lonely, say the experts, and 65 percent of people are seriously lonely some of the time.  Even half of chief executives experience loneliness.  So, while we know it can be “lonely at the top,” loneliness can affect job performance, sap vitality, impair productivity and diminish enjoyment of life.   NY Times 2018 Counteracting Loneliness   According to the experts, the prevalence of loneliness peaks in adolescents and young adults, then again in the oldest old.  NY Times 2017 Loneliness Effects on Health  Further, the potentially harmful effects of loneliness and social isolation on health and longevity, especially among older adults, are well established.  Note, though, that people can be socially isolated and not feel lonely; they simply prefer a more solo existence. Likewise, people can feel lonely even when surrounded by lots of people, especially if the relationships are not emotionally rewarding.  So, what to do?  First, don’t ignore your feelings and recognize, as one expert said, that “loneliness won’t just make you miserable – it will kill you.”   Second, speak to a friend, a therapist or a coach about your feelings and how to deal with them.  Failing that, stop looking at Facebook and have a face-to-face visit with a friend you’ve been meaning to contact.