Micki D. is a 91 year old AgingNext RSVP volunteer who is truly living well and aging well in her own home. 

Born in Rochester, NY, Micki is the oldest of 7 girls, one with special needs. At the recommendation of a doctor, the family moved to California when she was a young teenager so her sister could live in a warmer climate. She married and had 2 children, but having lost her husband at a young age, worked as a hairdresser in Upland for 45 years, retiring at the ripe age of 80! Upon retirement, she began to sing karaoke with a friend, and soon learned she had a voice!

This newfound passion for singing quickly took her in new directions! She joined the Silver Fox Follies, a program designed specifically for seniors and the disabled with a flair for the performing arts. The group performs annually, benefiting Rising Stars of Equestrian Therapy, an organization that provides therapeutic and recreational horseback riding lessons to children and adults with physical and mental challenges. After several years, she decided it was time to take things in a different direction and asked 5 other women from the group if they were interested in starting their own thing. Now down to a group of 4, the JAMMRS range in age from 64 – 91 and often perform 3 times a month, at senior living facilities throughout the area as well as for private parties. The women enjoy the opportunity to perform for others, but also the relationships they’ve built among themselves.

In addition to her work with the JAMMRS, she keeps busy by volunteering at her church and her RSVP role with Meals on Wheels Claremont. She spends quality time with her children, grandchildren and keeps an active social calendar with her many friends, learning about AgingNext and the various volunteer opportunities we offer when she attended a social event in 2022. Micki acknowledges that volunteering is important and a great opportunity for seniors with lots of time on their hands to stay active and engaged while doing good for others. She lives a purposeful life and we’re so thankful she has chosen to share her time with AgingNext. Thank you, Micki!