A Remedy for Global Loneliness: Strengthening Family Ties
By Innocent Eneta
In an era where digital technology enables us to be more connected than ever, the paradox of loneliness has grown to alarming proportions. Despite living in a globally interconnected world, millions of individuals are experiencing profound isolation. Experts are increasingly pointing to the importance of maintaining strong family ties, particularly in regions like Africa and Nigeria, where such connections have long been the cornerstone of emotional support and societal stability.
Recent studies on loneliness have unveiled an unsettling rise in solitary living, which spans not just across affluent Western countries but is becoming a global issue. In many cases, individuals are isolated not by geography but by emotional and social disengagement. “The sense of belonging, especially that which comes from family connections, is essential in combating the pervasive feelings of loneliness that affect many people today,” noted Dr. Catherine Ojo, a distinguished Nigerian psychologist. Her observation underscores a growing concern: in an age of virtual relationships, the depth of human interaction that family bonds provide is more crucial than ever.
The detrimental effects of loneliness are well-documented, impacting both mental and physical health. Increased rates of anxiety, depression, and even cardiovascular diseases have been linked to prolonged isolation. Interestingly, while technology facilitates global communication, it also reduces face-to-face interactions, the kind of direct emotional support that only physical presence can provide. Dr. Ojo further explained, “Though social media connects us, it lacks the emotional depth and comfort that face-to-face family interactions offer, which are vital for maintaining mental health.”
In regions like Africa, where extended families remain the backbone of social life, the traditional family structure plays a pivotal role in providing resilience against life’s challenges. Nigeria, with its strong cultural emphasis on familial bonds, has long relied on the extended family system, where multiple generations live in proximity and share in the responsibility of caring for one another. “Our cultural foundation is rooted in family ties. The close relationships we have with our parents, siblings, and extended family not only provide emotional security but also form a network of support during difficult times,” said Olumide Adebanjo, a social worker based in Lagos.
Yet, urbanization has brought about significant changes. As millions of Nigerians and other Africans migrate to urban centres for work opportunities, the shift to city living has led to a weakening of these once-tight-knit family structures. In cities like Lagos, many young people leave their rural homes to pursue careers, but the absence of family nearby has contributed to increasing feelings of loneliness. “In Lagos, many people leave their villages to pursue work in the city, but they end up living alone in small apartments. The absence of family nearby can often lead to feelings of isolation,” said Adaobi Nwankwo, a lecturer and community activist. This shift has led to a rise in the kind of loneliness typically associated with industrialized countries, where large numbers of individuals live alone in crowded urban environments.
Globally, this trend is mirrored, particularly in Western societies where the elderly are often left isolated in nursing homes or their own homes, abandoned by their children and extended families. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that social isolation can be as detrimental to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, with isolation serving as a significant risk factor for premature death.
In response, experts are calling for renewed efforts to strengthen familial connections, particularly in countries where family structures are being eroded by urbanization and modern life. “Strengthening these ties not only combats emotional and physical health risks but also fosters social solidarity and resilience,” explained Dr. Ojo. These bonds, she asserts, are a source of emotional security and are vital in ensuring the mental well-being of individuals, particularly in an era of pervasive isolation.
Looking ahead, it is clear that the preservation and revitalization of family bonds will be essential in combating the rising tide of global loneliness. Urbanization, the proliferation of digital technologies, and shifting social dynamics are all contributing to the weakening of traditional family structures, but these trends also present an opportunity for renewed focus on the importance of familial relationships.
In Nigeria and other African nations, where family ties have historically been a foundation of social cohesion, there is an opportunity to model the benefits of interconnectedness to the world. African countries could serve as a blueprint for nations grappling with the decline of the traditional family unit, offering insights into how strong, intergenerational family systems can foster mental well-being and community resilience.
In countries like Nigeria, where extended family systems remain integral to society, the government, along with civil society organizations, can introduce policies to support family unity. Urban planning that encourages communal living, workplace environments that allow for more family-friendly policies, and digital platforms designed to connect families more effectively could help mitigate the impact of isolation. Regular family gatherings, virtual check-ins for those separated by distance, and policies that facilitate shared living arrangements might all play key roles in addressing this growing issue.
Globally, the crisis of loneliness presents a stark reminder that in our pursuit of modernity, we must not lose sight of the fundamental need for human connection. Strengthening family ties is not just a cultural value—it is an essential strategy for safeguarding mental and physical health in an increasingly fragmented world. Ensuring that future generations understand and embrace the importance of family may be one of the most impactful ways to combat loneliness and preserve the social fabric of communities around the world. Two Injured in Arkansas Mall Shooting on Black Friday
