Physical activity and healthy ageing in the era of chronic conditions

We are honoured to welcome you to the September 2025 issue of the British Journal of Sports Medicine ( BJSM ). Advances in medicine and public health initiatives have resulted in a health paradox: populations are living longer than ever before and the burden of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, osteoarthritis and neurodegenerative illnesses continues to increase.1 In this issue of BJSM , the use of physical activity within this paradox will be examined, as we consider how physical activity can reduce and manage chronic illness, ultimately supporting healthy ageing in pursuit of both quantity and quality of life. Several articles in this edition focus on individuals with chronic conditions: the editorials ‘ The Role of Exercise in Axial Spondyloarthritis: An important intervention in routine care ’ (see page 1201) , and ‘The Role of Exercise in Atrial Fibrillation Management ’ (see page 1197) advocate for the use and promotion of physical activity in individuals with such chronic health conditions. The insights into physical activity in atrial fibrillation are expanded …