Involvement of the population in active leisure (on the example of the social project «Active Parks»)

Abstract

The public health system is one of the most important factors for the preservation of the human capital of the state and the further successful development of society in general. Effective involvement of the population in leading a healthy lifestyle acquires strategic importance for the country and its future, as it is a category that is realized in various senses (biological, medical, psychological, economic, social, historical, cultural, social, philosophical, etc.).
 Caring for the health of the population requires focusing efforts on finding effective and efficient mechanisms to involve the population in leading a healthy lifestyle. Analysis of the experience of implementing existing practices of physical activity proves that various forms of involvement of different population groups in active leisure are an effective tool.
 The phenomenon of «population health» is considered as a multi-component construct, the structure of which combines physical, social, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and cultural components related to the vital activities of a person and society. The article reveals the role of active leisure and a healthy lifestyle for preserving and strengthening health, and describes the principles of organizing active leisure (principle of subject-subject interaction; social compliance; self-development and self-activity; integrity and mobility; innovation). An example of useful and content-filled active leisure is the social project «Active parks - locations of healthy Ukraine». The project is implemented to promote a healthy lifestyle. Successive implementation of the stages of this project guarantees positive results and contributes to increasing the level of physical activity and health of the population.