A new study from Oregon Health & Science University shows that face-to-face interactions are more helpful in dealing with depression in older adults than digital means of communication, the Huffington Post reports.
The study was published online Monday in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
The study revealed that older adults who had regular interactions with family and friends were 5 percent less likely to be afflicted with depression in comparison to those who interacted via email or phone.
"We don't know precisely what the magic ingredient is, but our results imply there is something special and uniquely effective about meeting up in-person in terms of preventing future depression," Dr. Alan Teo, an assistant professor of psychiatry at the university, told The Huffington Post in an email.
For the study, the researchers analyzed data from over 11,000 adults over the age of 50 who participated in a longitudinal study with the University of Michigan. The study found that older adults who spent time with their families at least three times a week were only 6.5 percent at risk for depression, while those who saw their loved ones every few months or less frequently had an 11.5 percent chance of being depressed.
However, the researchers stressed that the study does not undermine the email and social media as a valuable means of social interaction.
"My message is not that social media or calls on smart phones are things we should cut out of our lives," Teo said. "I use social media too. But when it comes to depression prevention, it seems hard to beat a good old-fashioned face-to-face visit."
The other benefits of social interactions for older adults include better cognition, better health and longevity.
"We should make a real effort to have face-to-face visits with our friends and family."
"Before reaching for the phone or typing a message to someone, people should think about trying to meet them for coffee or inviting them over for dinner."
