ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines how gender, sexuality, race, and location in conjunction with age and stage in career affect lifestyle sport practices and meanings. It looks at older adults entering and maintaining identities in lifestyle sports. The book explores different processes and factors by which entrance into a lifestyle career is facilitated. It discusses the role of social media and local crews in forming a mountain-biking identity. The book examines how lifestyle participants maintain their careers during midlife. It also discusses how adult skateboarders find new ways to make skateboarding meaningful as they face challenges of parenthood, relationships, and mental health issues. The book highlights some of the key shifts within lifestyle sports and society. It also explores how lifestyle sport has the potential to shift wider cultural norms.
