A new study revealed that face-to-face human interaction functions like vitamins and minerals for people's emotional health. It examined how regular social contact affected people's emotions and reduced the symptoms and risks of depression.
The study was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society on October 6. It was conducted by the Oregon Health & Science University, while the lead author was psychiatry professor Dr. Alan Teo.
Researchers examined a previous study that included more than 11,000 American adults at least 50 years old, according to Tech Times. They had participated in the University of Michigan's Health and Retirement Survey.
The frequencies of the participants' contacts were collected every-other-year from 2004 to 2010. That included phone, written, and personal interactions with friends and relatives.
Next, the research team examined symptoms or risk of depression. They considered various external factors including health profiles and distance from friends and family.
The results showed that volunteers who had personal interactions with relatives and friends three times weekly had just a 6.5 percent risk of acquiring symptoms of depression. However, people with fewer than one face-to-face interaction every couple of months had a 11.5 percent risk of severe sadness.
In addition, the frequency of exchanging phone calls or emails did not have a major impact on the participants' symptoms or risk of depression. While tech is often used for communication today, in-person talks are still important.
Teo admitted that researchers are not sure about the "magic ingredient" of face-to-face interaction, according to University Herald. However, it certainly helps to prevent depression.
In-person meetings also provided older adults with other benefits. They included improved thinking and health, and longer lifespans.
Teo's research team is planning another study. It will include Millennials. He hopes that social media has helped to produce lower levels of depression among the adults in their 20s.