In what comes as little surprise, the results of a new study show that the best way to keep depression at bay and strengthen mental health is to increase face time with loved ones -- that's face time, not FaceTime.

Findings from a study conducted at the Oregon Health and Science University suggest trying to meet up with friends and family offline at least three time a week, as those participants showed the lowest levels of depressive symptoms over a two-year period, compared to those who met with people less frequently.

For the study, researchers assessed more than 11,000 adults aged 50 and older in the US, examining the frequency of in-person, telephone and written social contact such as email.

Researchers also found different results for different age groups. Adults aged 50 to 69 who met with friends showed reduced depression, while adults aged 70 and older benefited most from in-person contact with children and other family members.

The results were published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.