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

Featured Post

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

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…

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Recent Posts

We Must Support Our Hispanic/Latinx Caregivers

We Must Support Our Hispanic/Latinx Caregivers

By Yanira Cruz and Ocean Le. This article appeared on the American Society on Aging (ASA), Generations Today | July-August 2021 Editor’s Note: This article represents the fifth in a series by the Diverse Elders Coalition (DEC) to be published in Generations…

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Protecting Elders in a Pandemic World

Protecting Elders in a Pandemic World

By Jatika H. Patterson. This article originally appeared on The Atlanta Voice. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, two of the first regulations from the World Health Organization (WHO) were self-quarantining and social distancing. As many of us did our best to…

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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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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!