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

The importance of clinical research in diverse communities

Featured Post

The importance of clinical research in diverse communities

One of the biggest obstacles in achieving health equity for diverse populations is the lack of diversity in clinical research.

Although gender equity advancements have been made through the inclusion of white women, clinical research lacks diversity, with minimal representation from racial and ethnic minority groups. In the last three decades, older adults, preg…

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Recent Posts

I remember that Hmong means free

I remember that Hmong means free

By Kham Moua. This article originally appeared on SEARAC’s blog. The night was filled with the heat of a blazing fire and the sight of countless sparks of paper swirling in the air. The darkness slowly faded into the first light of dawn, marking the final evening of…

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Sharing joy and tradition as kon Khmer

Sharing joy and tradition as kon Khmer

By Nary Rath. This article originally appeared on SEARAC’s blog. It’s a frigid day, the air is dry, and snow is falling like pillowy stardust piling high on the streets of my small town in Connecticut. There is something always so peaceful to me about the silence that…

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The importance of clinical research in diverse communities

The importance of clinical research in diverse communities

One of the biggest obstacles in achieving health equity for diverse populations is the lack of diversity in clinical research. Although gender equity advancements have been made through the inclusion of white women, clinical research lacks diversity, with minimal…

read more

The Golden Years of Indian Immigrants in America

The Golden Years of Indian Immigrants in America

By Lavina Melwani. This article originally appeared on Khabar Magazine.   Dek: “Over 300,000 Indian seniors long for their cultural roots in their sunset years. Will they find them in a changing America? Here is a look at the varied retirement living arrangements…

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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!

Our Member Organizations

National Asian Pacific Center on Aging

National Caucus and Center on Black Aging

National Hispanic Council on Aging

National Indian Council on Aging, Inc.

SAGE Advocacy & Services for LGBT Elders

Southeast Asia Resource Action Center