The Engagement Center for Creative Aging (ECCA) is home to the Virginia Tech Adult Adult Day Services, Engaging Aging and Caregiver Wellness programs. Located on the Blacksburg campus of Virginia Tech, ECCA is a departmental center for Human Development and Family Science in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Science. Our programs and services are built upon the university’s commitment to learning, discovery and engagement both locally and globally.

We use person-centered, strengths-based approaches to learning and engagement while leaning on evidence-based practice for holistic care and validation. We explore and incorporate proven and innovative opportunities for our participants through creative arts, Eden Alternative, integrative health & wellness practice, intergenerational opportunities and Greencare initiatives.

ECCA’s Mission

The Engagement Center for Creative Aging provides innovation community services for families aging in place while enhancing the education of future healthcare professionals.

ECCA’s Focus

We focus on three pillars within our center while providing community services. Those are:

Outreach through in-person and virtual programs in the New River Valley related to healthy aging, mild cognitive impairment, caregiver wellness, and adult day services.

Teaching by providing robust learning opportunities for university students, professionals and caregivers through service learning, workshops, field studies, direct care training, study abroad and more.

Research by collaborating with students and faculty across departments, colleges and universities. Engaging in innovative interdisciplinary research focusing on interventions and issues related to aging and dementia.