Factors associated with the successful aging of the socially-active elderly in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre Fatores associados ao envelhecimento bem-sucedido de idosos socialmente ativos da região metropolitana de Porto Alegre

OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors associated with aging of the socially-active elderly in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving a sample of 400 elderly subjects. Through a conglomerate analysis using the combined results of the Flanagan Scale and the quality of life assessment instrument developed by the World Health Organization (WHOQOL-100), the subjects classified as presenting a higher quality of life were considered to have aged successfully. RESULTS: After having been adjusted for the variables gender, age, level of depression, despair, perceived health status, meaning that personal beliefs give to life, satisfaction with social activities and relations, the following factors maintained their independent and meaningful effect on successful aging: family relations and friendships (OR = 4.93; 95% CI: 2.83-8.60), health and perceived well being (OR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.07-2.59), functional capacity (OR = 23.70; 95% CI: 10.98-51.06) and psychosocial support (OR = 7.36; 95% CI: 4.00-13.54). CONCLUSIONS: Independence in performing daily life activities and autonomy, as well as satisfaction with family relations and friendships, were independent predictive factors of successful aging for both men and women. For women in particular, there were various predictive factors: material comfort; feeling physically well; body image and appearance; self-esteem; positive feelings; interpersonal relationships; social support; participation in recreational activities; sexuality; spirituality; and beliefs. The elderly maintain a relationship with themselves, with others and with their beliefs. Family is the main social support system.<br>OBJETIVO: Identificar fatores associados ao envelhecimento bem-sucedido de idosos socialmente ativos da Região Metropolitana de Porto Alegre. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 400 idosos. Pela análise de conglomerados, utilizando os resultados simultâneos da escala de Flanagan e do instrumento de avaliação da Qualidade de Vida, elaborado pela Organização Mundial de Saúde (WHOQOL-100), foram considerados com envelhecimento bem-sucedido os idosos classificados com qualidade de vida superior. A análise das variáveis associadas ao envelhecimento bem-sucedido foi realizada por meio da regressão logística múltipla. RESULTADOS: Após ajustamento por gênero, idade, nível de depressão, desesperança, saúde percebida, sentido que as crenças pessoais dão à vida, satisfação com atividades e relações sociais, verificou-se que mantiveram um efeito independente e significativo com o envelhecimento bem-sucedido os fatores: relações familiares e de amizade (OR = 4,93; IC: 2,83-8,60), saúde e bem-estar percebido (OR = 1,66; IC:1,07-2,59), capacidade funcional (OR = 23,70; IC: 10,98-51,06) e suporte psicossocial (OR = 7,36; IC: 4,00-13,54). A análise realizada com o grupo separado por gênero apresentou diferenças significativas. CONCLUSÕES: A manutenção da independência para as atividades da vida diária, autonomia e satisfação com relacionamento familiar e amizades foram fatores preditivos independentes do envelhecimento bem-sucedido, tanto para homens como para mulheres. Conforto material, sentir-se fisicamente bem, imagem corporal e aparência, auto-estima, sentimentos positivos, relações interpessoais, suporte social, participação em atividades recreativas, sexualidade, espiritualidade e crenças foram preditivos para as mulheres. O idoso é um ser de relação consigo mesmo, com os outros e com as suas crenças. A família é o principal suporte social

Flip the coin: IL-7 and IL-7R in health and disease

Copyright © 2019, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature America, Inc.The cytokine IL-7 and its receptor, IL-7R, are critical for T cell and, in the mouse, B cell development, as well as differentiation and survival of naive T cells, and generation and maintenance of memory T cells. They are also required for innate lymphoid cell (ILC) development and maintenance, and consequently for generation of lymphoid structures and barrier defense. Here we discuss the central role of IL-7 and IL-7R in the lymphoid system and highlight the impact of their deregulation, placing a particular emphasis on their 'dark side' as promoters of cancer development. We also explore therapeutic implications and opportunities associated with either positive or negative modulation of the IL-7-IL-7R signaling axis.J.T.B. is funded by the consolidator grant ERC CoG-648455 from the European Research Council, under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, and the FAPESP/20015/2014 and PTDC/MEC-HEM/31588/2017 grants from Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Portugal; S.K.D. is funded by the intramural program of the US National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, and the Children’s Cancer Foundation; B.S. is funded by the MRC (United Kingdom) under U117573801 and MR/P011225/1.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio