Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, Alan Teo, HwaJung Choi, Kara Zivin, and colleagues found that survey participants (age 50+) who met with friends or family at least three times a week were much less likely to report depressive symptoms than were those who interacted every few months or less. The researchers note that having more or fewer phone conversations, letters, or email contact had no effect on depression.

More about Choi , Zivin, and colleagues find in-person socializing helps lower depression in older adults >