How will the digital age not become the digital divide for ethnic elders, especially those of middle or lower income? This special "Ethnic Elders Online" series explores how seniors are learning to use today's online technology for health, activism, social networking, small business--and even some fun. Rebecca Rivas, staff writer for the St. Louis American, wrote most of this series under the MetLife Foundation Journalists in Aging Fellows program, a collaboration of New America Media and the Gerontological Society of America. Also contributing to this series was freelance journalists Liz Seegert.

PART 1

African American Elders Log-In for Computer Fun—and Jobs”
St. Louis American/New America Media, News Feature, Rebecca S. Rivas, Posted: Apr 07, 2012.
African American elders in St. Louis wanted computer classes to link with their families and maybe get a job -- even at age 73. more

PART 2

Becoming an E-Patient: One Elder’s Path From Online Games to Health Gains”
St. Louis American/New America Media, News Feature, Rebecca S. Rivas, Posted: Apr 17, 2012.
As African American elders and other ethnic seniors get more Internet savvy, e-patients are both getting active in their own care and helping each other. more

PART 3

Senior Civil Rights Activist Amplifies Protest Voice Online”
St. Louis American/New America Media, News Feature, Rebecca S. Rivas, Posted: Apr 19, 2012.
Longtime civil rights activist Percy Green II, 77, calls social networking an “invigorating” protest tool, but online users need to protect their online information. more

PART 4

Empowering Ethnic Seniors Online Helps to Close the Gray Gap in South Florida”
New America Media, News Feature, Liz Seegert , Posted: Apr 23, 2012.
Ethnic elders are slipping into the technology Gray Gap with little access to the online world. A Miami agency, though, is building Internet bridging for seniors. more

PART 5

Seniors Get Crafty for Online Fun--and Profit”
New America Media, News Feature, Rebecca S. Rivas , Posted: Apr 30, 2012.
In the face of recession, seniors are turning their talent for fine handcrafts into income by setting up shop on the website, Etsy.
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