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

Why Older Voters Matter: Shaping the Future, One Vote at a Time

Access to Services

By: Diverse Elders

Nov 01, 2024

As we approach another consequential presidential election In the United States, it is worth taking a closer look at the relationship between voting and age.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the most recent presidential election in 2020 had the highest voter turnout this century, with more than 2 out of 3 citizens (67 percent) citizens 18 years and older…

Small Steps That Bring Sure Footing: Commemorating Falls Prevention Awareness Month

Aging with Dignity, Community Supports, Elder Health, Health & Wellness, Home & Community-Based Services, National Caucus and Center on Black Aging (NCBA), Physical Health

September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness about falls, understand why they happen, and take practical steps to help prevent them. Contrary to ageist myths, falls are not an inevitable part of aging, and many falls can be prevented through…

Sovereignty and Access: Challenges Facing Tribal Communities

Access to Services, Community Supports, DEC, Discrimination, Diverse Elders Coalition Stories, National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA), POC Communities, Policy and Advocacy Issues, Public Policy, Racism

Each year, on August 9th, we mark the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. It’s an occasion to not just celebrate the different cultures of the world’s indigenous populations, but also to raise awareness of the innumerable harms committed, promises…

DEC Statement on DHS Public Charge Final Rule

Advancing Equity, Caregiving, Community Supports, Immigration, Justice, Security and Economic Stability

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 30th, 2026 Contact: Diverse Elders Coalition info@diverseelders.org The Diverse Elders Coalition (DEC) strongly condemns the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) decision to rescind the 2022 Public Charge rule, dramatically expanding the…

When Medicaid Cuts Threaten Disability Inclusion, Caregivers Carry the Cost

Advancing Equity, Caregiving, Diverse Communities, Health Insurance, Home & Community-Based Services, Physical Health, Policy and Advocacy Issues, Public Policy

July is Disability Pride Month, a time to honor disability identity, culture, and the ongoing fight for full inclusion. But inclusion does not happen by principle alone. For millions of people with disabilities, it depends on caregivers, family members, and home- and…

DEC Welcomes Senate Passage of the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act

Advancing Equity, Caregiving, Health Insurance, Home & Community-Based Services, Long-Term Care Setting, Mental Health, Older Americans Act, Public Policy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 15th, 2026 Contact: Diverse Elders Coalition info@diverseelders.org DEC Welcomes Senate Passage of the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act The Diverse Elders Coalition (DEC) welcomes the Senate passage of S.2120, the Older Americans Act…

In Jamaica Plain, Pride Feels Like Home

Advancing Equity, Community Supports, Diverse Communities, Diverse Elders Coalition Stories, History, Individual Stories, LGBTQ Communities

I moved to Jamaica Plain on May 8, not knowing exactly what to expect. Leaving New York, I knew I was moving into a neighborhood with a reputation for being progressive, creative, and LGBTQ+-friendly. But there is a difference between knowing something intellectually…

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!