@article {8267,
	title = {Does Mode of Contact with Different Types of Social Relationships Predict Depression in Older Adults? Evidence from a Nationally Representative Survey},
	journal = {Journal of the American Geriatrics Society},
	volume = {63},
	year = {2015},
	pages = {2014},
	publisher = {63},
	abstract = {ObjectivesTo determine associations between use of three different modes of social contact (in person, telephone, written or e-mail), contact with different types of people, and risk of depressive symptoms in a nationally representative, longitudinal sample of older adults. DesignPopulation-based observational cohort. SettingUrban and suburban communities throughout the contiguous United States. ParticipantsIndividuals aged 50 and older who participated in the Health and Retirement Survey between 2004 and 2010 (N = 11,065). MeasurementsFrequency of participant use of the three modes of social contact with children, other family members, and friends at baseline were used to predict depressive symptoms (measured using the eight-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) 2 years later using multivariable logistic regression models. ResultsProbability of having depressive symptoms steadily increased as frequency of in-personbut not telephone or written or e-mail contactdecreased. After controlling for demographic, clinical, and social variables, individuals with in-person social contact every few months or less with children, other family, and friends had a significantly higher probability of clinically significant depressive symptoms 2 years later (11.5 ) than those having in-person contact once or twice per month (8.1 ; P   .001) or once or twice per week (7.3 ; P   .001). Older age, interpersonal conflict, and depression at baseline moderated some of the effects of social contact on depressive symptoms. ConclusionFrequency of in-person social contact with friends and family independently predicts risk of subsequent depression in older adults. Clinicians should consider encouraging face-to-face social interactions as a preventive strategy for depression.},
	keywords = {Demographics, Health Conditions and Status, Healthcare, Methodology, Retirement Planning and Satisfaction},
	author = {Alan R Teo and Choi, Hwajung and Sarah B. Andrea and Marcia A. Valenstein and Jason T Newsom and Dobscha, Steven K. and Zivin, Kara}
}
