Can Tea Cut Depression Symptoms in Older Adults?

Tea's potential to relieve depression in older adults is drawing scientific interest, with a study by the National University of Singapore Sociology considering the possibilities, reports Futurity . The study explored whether the potential effect stems from the tea's biochemical components or the social context of drinking. The researchers analyzed data on more than 13,000 older adults from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Among the variables accounted for were age, gender, residence, education, marital status, pension status, lifestyle, and health conditions. The researchers also considered the impact of social engagement, including playing cards or mahjong, community activities, and travel. Consistent daily imbibing of tea was in all cases a significant preventive factor against depressive symptoms. Urban living, education level, marital status, economic adequacy, better health, and engagement in social activities also played a role. The researchers found the association between tea drinking and less depressive symptoms was significant only for men 65 to 79 years old.