The article presents the results of a theoretical and practical study of the inadequate attention of specialists in the field of physical culture and sports to addressing the problem of the low activity of the elderly in competitive sports and sports activities. The review of the research of foreign and domestic scientists studying the effectiveness of traditional means of physical culture and health on the indicators of health, psychophysiological and cognitive functions of an elderly person

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... presented. It is noted the need to continue searching for the means and methods of physical fitness and sports, as well as the specification of the amount of physical activity that contributes to improving the physical, mental, social health of older people. The presented analysis of the directive documents defining the strategy for the development of physical culture and sports in our country focuses attention on the importance of activating the competitive sports and sports activities of the older generation. The questionnaire survey of elderly women, systematically engaged in recreational swimming, showed that the main goal of the classes for them is to improve overall health. Along with this, the observed lack of desire to participate in competitions, along with actively manifested individual competitiveness in the process of classes, must be taken into account when organizing physical culture and sports and mass work with this contingent.