In a recent study, researchers observed that old people are more likely to suffer from depression immediately after the holiday season. They concluded that this was because old people are exhausted by the end of the holidays.

Which of the following statements most directly contradicts the conclusion drawn above?

Old people lack the energy and strength of the younger people.

No study has yet proved that holidays are the cause of any serious illness.

After the holidays, old people have nothing to look forward to and become melancholy.

Old age is a debilitating factor for most persons, particularly when one is free.

Several old people gain health during the holiday sojourn.