We advocate for the unique needs of our communities.

Who We Are

Founded in 2010, the Diverse Elders Coalition (DEC) advocates for policies and programs that improve aging in our communities as racially and ethnically diverse people; American Indians and Alaska Natives; and lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender (LGBT) people.

What We Do

As the Diverse Elders Coalition, we produce original policy analysis and resources, speak with policymakers and advocates to highlight the issues of our communities and share solutions, and work to ensure the needs and perspective of diverse elders are at the forefront of national and local conversations on aging.

Our Member Organizations

NAPCA
(National Asian Pacific Center on Aging)
NCBA
(National Caucus and Center on Black Aging, Inc.)
NHCOA
(National Hispanic Council on Aging)
NICOA
(National Indian Council on Aging)
SAGE
(Advocacy and Services for LGBT Elders)
SEARAC
(Southeast Asia Resource Action Center)

From The Blog

National Director, Diverse Elders Coalition

Advancing Equity

By: Diverse Elders

Jul 02, 2024

Founded in 2010, the Diverse Elders Coalition works to improve aging in racially and ethnically diverse communities, American Indian and Alaska Native communities, and LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning, and additional identities) communities. Our six Member organizations are trusted, committed experts on aging in the communities the…

Resilience and Unity at ASA On Aging 2025: A Personal Reflection

Access to Services, Advancing Equity, Aging and Ageism, Civic Engagement, Cultural & Linguistic Adaptation, DEC, Diverse Communities, National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA), National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA), Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders (SAGE)

Attending the 2025 ASA On Aging Conference in Orlando was both inspiring and grounding. I arrived at the Hyatt Regency on Sunday, April 20 — the atmosphere felt more reflective, with a calmer pace than in past years. While the energy was different, the spirit of the…

Diverse Elders Coalition Calls for Preservation of ACL Amid HHS Restructuring

Access to Services, Advancing Equity, Aging and Ageism, Aging with Dignity, Caregiving, Caregiving, Chronic Illness, Data Collection / Research, Dementia, Diverse Communities, Economic Security, Elder Abuse, Elder Health, End of Life Decisions, Health & Wellness, Health Reform, HIV/AIDS & Aging, Home & Community-Based Services, Justice, Long-Term Care Setting, Mental Health, Mental Health, Older Americans Act, Physical Health, Policy and Advocacy Issues, Public Policy, Security and Economic Stability, Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), Social Influencers of Health, Social Isolation, Social Security / Retirement

The Diverse Elders Coalition (DEC), a national coalition committed to promoting the health and well-being of racially and ethnically diverse older adults, American Indians and Alaska Natives, and LGBTQ+ elders, is deeply concerned about the Department of Health and…

Women History’s Month: Honoring the Carters – A Legacy of Advocacy for Women and Family Caregivers

Advancing Equity, Caregiving, Policy and Advocacy Issues, Public Policy

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we recognize the trailblazing women who have shaped our history, uplifted communities, and championed causes that continue to impact lives today. It is fitting to reflect on Rosalynn Carter, former First Lady and President Jimmy…

Join the Diverse Elders Coalition: We’re Hiring a Policy & Advocacy Coordinator

Advancing Equity

As we continue our critical work to drive meaningful change for older adults in diverse communities, we are looking for a passionate and dedicated individual to join our team as a Policy & Advocacy Coordinator. About the Role The Policy & Advocacy Coordinator…

Black History Month: Powerful Quotes from Black Leaders on Labor and Justice

Advancing Equity, Discrimination, Diverse Communities, Diverse Elders Coalition Stories, Economic Security, History, Justice, National Caucus and Center on Black Aging (NCBA), Racism, Security and Economic Stability

As we commemorate Black History Month throughout February and reflect on this year’s theme, “African Americans and Labor”, we honor the resilience, leadership and contributions of Black workers, organizers, and advocates who have fought for economic justice. In that…

Honoring MLK Jr: Advancing Justice and Equity for Diverse Older Adults & Family Caregivers

Advancing Equity, Community Supports, Cultural & Linguistic Adaptation

Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a visionary leader whose unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity continues to inspire us. Dr. King dreamed of a world where every person, regardless of race, ethnicity, or…

Resources for Diverse Aging

The Diverse Elders Coalition offers a variety of multimedia resources, including original research and policy reports, fact sheets, webinars, and more, aimed at ensuring that our diverse communities can age successfully with dignity, greater self-sufficiency and in the best possible health.

Featured Resource

Family Caregiving in Diverse Communities: ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF DIVERSE FAMILY CAREGIVERS FOR OLDER ADULTS

This report is the product of a series of activities conducted by the Diverse Elders Coalition and its members’ organizations, and in partnership with the National Alliance for Caregiving, to better understand and highlight the lived experiences of diverse family caregivers for older adults.

Click Here to Read the 1-Page Caregiver FactSheet: DEC Caregiving Factsheet Final

Click Here to Read the Full Report: DEC Caregiving Report Final

Curious about other resources DEC has to offer?

Visit our Resources for Aging page to discover more!