Theoretical principles of health-improving and recreational activities in the structure of leisure for the elderly

The life expectancy of the population in all countries of the world has been steadily increasing over the last century and there are many social problems associated with the adaptation of a person of the elderly age in society. The tendency of increasing the number of elderly people in the population structure of many countries requires awareness of old age as a new fairly long season of life. Therefore, it is very important to focus leisure time on the formation of active ageing, which will affect the quality of life and involvement of a person of the elderly age in social, professional life. The goal of our research was to theoretically substantiate the principles of health-improving and recreational motor activity in the structure of leisure for the elderly. To achieve this goal, research methods were used: analysis of scientific literature and normative legal documents, comparison and analogy. Research findings. The paper reveals the main factors influencing the organization of leisure services for the elderly; the most common gaps of the modern network of health-improving and recreational services for the elderly are identified; strategically important directions for the organization of health-improving and recreational activities for the elderly are singled out; the main components in the successful organization of health-improving and recreational activities for the elderly within leisure are identified; the principles and factors of health-improving and recreational activities with the elderly are revealed. Conclusions. Therefore, for the successful organization of health-improving and recreational activities of the elderly within the leisure one should take into consideration the main factors, areas and principles of health-improving and recreational activities. The main components of a good organization are: health and fitness activities, the creation of "hobby groups" and meeting the needs of human communication, which are based on the essence of health-improving and recreational activities for this age group.