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

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

Featured Post

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

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 conference remained strong, with meaningful conversations and deep engagement continuing throughou…

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Recent Posts

Mental Health Services Needed to Treat Emotional Distress During the Pandemic

Mental Health Services Needed to Treat Emotional Distress During the Pandemic

By Dr. Marcy Adelman. This article originally appeared in SF Bay Times. Jan is a 71-year-old lesbian and a diabetic. She lives alone and prides herself on her independence. She is quick to tell you she is a happily retired jack of all trades and now an aspiring…

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Pride for who we are, Pride for where we come from

Pride for who we are, Pride for where we come from

By Jenna McDavid. This article originally appeared on the SEARAC blog: Our Voices. I love that June is both Pride Month and Immigrant Heritage Month, because at SEARAC, it gives us an opportunity to celebrate so many members of the Southeast Asian American communities…

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Larry Curley Joins ASA’s Legacy Interviews

Larry Curley Joins ASA’s Legacy Interviews

This originally appeared on the NICOA blog. On July 21 National Indian Council on Aging Executive Director Larry Curley will take part in the American Society on Aging’s Legacy Interviews. This will be one of a 12-week webcast series that will feature interviews with…

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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

Curious about other resources DEC has to offer?

Visit our Resources for Aging page to discover more!