Minimalist Living: Benefits and How to Start
Minimalist living is more than a trend—it’s a lifestyle that can bring peace, clarity, and even joy. For residents in assisted living Boise, adopting a minimalist approach can make daily life more manageable and create a sense of calm in your surroundings. Let’s explore what minimalism means, why it’s worth trying, and how to get started.
What Is Minimalist Living?
At its core, minimalism is about focusing on what truly matters and letting go of the excess. It’s not about deprivation—it’s about prioritizing quality over quantity. A minimalist lifestyle can mean:
Reducing clutter in your home.
Simplifying your daily routines.
Focusing on meaningful relationships and experiences.
The Benefits of Minimalism for Seniors
Less Clutter, Less Stress
A tidy, organized space can reduce feelings of overwhelm and make it easier to find what you need.
Easier Maintenance
Fewer possessions mean less cleaning and upkeep, leaving you with more time to enjoy your day.
Clearer Focus
Minimalism encourages you to focus on what brings you joy, whether it’s a favorite hobby or spending time with loved ones.
More Space for What Matters
By letting go of unused or unnecessary items, you create room for the things that truly enrich your life.
When Mary moved into her apartment in retirement communities, she felt overwhelmed by the boxes of belongings she had brought with her. “I didn’t realize how much stuff I’d held onto,” she shared.
With the help of her daughter, Mary started sorting through her possessions. “We made piles: things to keep, donate, and toss,” she said. She kept the items that held deep sentimental value, like family photos and her favorite books, and donated unused kitchen gadgets and old clothes.
“Now, my space feels open and peaceful,” Mary said. “It’s easier to keep everything in order, and I feel lighter without all the extra clutter.”
How to Start Living Minimally
Start Small
Choose one area, like a closet or a drawer, and work on decluttering it.
Ask Yourself Key Questions
Do I use this regularly?
Does it bring me joy?
Would I buy it again today?
Donate or Gift Unused Items
Let go of items you no longer need by donating them or giving them to someone who will use them.
Focus on Quality
Prioritize owning a few high-quality items rather than many that don’t serve a purpose.
Minimalism in Community Living
In senior housing Fort Collins, adopting a minimalist lifestyle is often a natural fit. Smaller spaces are easier to maintain, and many communities provide shared amenities, reducing the need for individual possessions like large kitchen appliances or tools.
Minimalist living isn’t about giving up—it’s about gaining freedom from unnecessary clutter. By focusing on what matters most, you can create a space and lifestyle that feel peaceful, manageable, and full of joy.
CARMEN Is a Robot That Helps People With Mild Cognitive Impairment
CARMEN, which is short for Cognitively Assistive Robot for Motivation and Neurorehabilitation, is a small, tabletop robot designed to help people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Recently the University of California introduced the world to CARMEN to help people learn skills to improve memory, attention, and executive functioning at home.
What sets CARMEN apart from other robots is it was created in partnership with clinicians, people with MCI and their care providers. Researchers say they think the robot is one of a kind in terms of teaching compensatory cognitive strategies designed to improve memory and executive function.
Experts estimate MCI affects up to 20% of adults 65 years or older, and of that number, 15% of people with the condition transition to dementia each year. Scientists say while we currently do not have medical treatments to slow or prevent this from happening, behavioral treatments can help.
Working one-on-one with individuals, CARMEN delivers a series of simple, easy-to-do cognitive training exercises. One example is teaching users to create routine places to leave important objects like keys, cellphone and other commonly misplaced items. CARMEN also emphasizes strategies such as taking notes to remember things.
The learning process is accomplished through a set of interactive games and activities designed to be done independently without the help of a clinician’s or researcher’s supervision. This meant the robot was built as a plug and play device without a lot of parts requiring maintenance. CARMEN was also designed to function with limited access to the Internet and not depend on a reliable connection. The robot also expresses empathy and compassion for the person’s situation as well as communicates clearly.
Early results with CARMEN had participants reporting the learned strategies helped them feel more confidence in their everyday life, and they were now willing to attempt things they had previously stopped doing. Researchers say the hope is to get more robots in the hands of users and fine-tune the robot to address even more issues for people with MCI and other conditions such as ADHD.
At MorningStar of Hayward, we engage residents in senior housing routinely to provide physical, mental and social stimulation as well as good, old-fashioned fun. Our community offers a wide selection of suites to meet a range of preferences, resort-style amenities, and wellness programs and activities. Contact us to learn what sets us apart from other independent and assisted living in Hayward, CA and why MorningStar is a great place to call home.
MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Please contact us for more information about the finest independent and assisted living Hayward, CA offers.
Learn More About MorningStar of Hayward
MorningStar of Hayward’s goal is to provide the best senior living in the area. Our vibrant community has 113 independent living suites in spacious studio, alcove, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. For those needing help with the activities of daily living, we offer 80 bright suites for assisted living. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 35 suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
MorningStar Senior Living has over 40 communities currently open or under construction across the country, including seven in California. MorningStar of Hayward, with a loving care team and beautiful surroundings, provides seniors with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.
MorningStar began in 2003 when founder Ken Jaeger had a dream to start a senior housing company that was defined by the human touch. He says, “I wanted to recreate my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.” From this came our guiding principles and three mission statements our company is based on:
Honor God in our business practices and relationships — a commitment to strong moral values and ethics
Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals — a commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence
Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well — a commitment to hiring and retaining employees who use creative minds and compassionate hearts to serve residents
To eloquently illustrate our mission, all our communities have a specially commissioned piece of art hanging in them. The “Tree of Life embodies and celebrates our Mission and our Name. Please visit our website for more information about MorningStar Senior Living and outstanding independent living, memory care and assisted living in Hayward.
MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, memory care and assisted living Hayward, CA offers.