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The way Nicoyans choose to live their lives gives us a template from which we can learn to improve our health and find our sense of purpose. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. In the southern part of the peninsula, Santa Teresa is a popular surf area that sprawls for miles along the coast. If you want to get underground, Barra Honda National Park has a system of 42 caves and you can explore Terciopelo Cave on a tour. Modern Nicoyans roots to the indigenous Chorotega and their traditions have enabled them to remain relatively free of stress. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Toss gently. Of course, there is still a desire for success (especially in the cities) but in general, the priorities are shifted. The traditional diet in the area is also notable. Costa Ricans called Ticos say pura vida instead of hello, how are you, fine, thanks, and see you later and youll quickly find yourself saying it too. Residents of this 80-mile peninsula found south of the Nicaraguan border have the world's lowest middle-age mortality rates, and the second highest number of male centenarians in the world. Sign up for theBLUE ZONES free weekly email where webring youexclusive interviews, cutting edge longevity news, and fresh tips for living longer, better. Ministry of Health data indicate that life expectancy is nearly 80 years, which is the highest in Central America, according to the World Bank. The town of Nosara, located in the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica, is a surfing and wellness hot spot located in one of the five "blue zones" in the world. For those who want to explore the peninsula at their own pace, renting a car might be best (you can use your home countrys drivers license for a maximum of three months). Buettner approached National Geograhic with his idea and they agreed to help fund his research. The world has a number of 'Blue Zones', areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. "Year after year, our surveys indicate that its the Costa Ricans themselves that set our destination apart, and it's certainly always a marvelous experience to spend time with the older generation. Another option is to take the 75-minute ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya from Puntarenas to Paquera. This trend has been here for many years, but I was the one to notice this special feature in the data," said Bixby, a pioneer in longevity research. It's also an area identified as a "Blue Zone . Your best bet might be finding a VRBO instead of a hotel. These places are full of one-hundred-year-olds who have reached such like live wires, not in bed or in hospital. Black beans contain high doses of antioxidants and they are eaten for almost every meal among Nicoyans (and most Costa Ricans). It's also one of the happiest places in Central America: Costa Ricans report a high level of life satisfaction and the country has the highest literacy rate in Latin America. Their traditional diet of fortified maize and beans may be the best nutritional combination for longevity the world has ever known. The agreement was signed by the Vice President of Costa Rica, Ana Helena Chacn, as well as ministries and institutions of the government and the mayors of the cantons of Nicoya Peninsula: Nandayure, Hojancha, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. This calcium leads to stronger bones and the ability to stay physically active at a later age. For Priscila Chaves, a Costa Rican social tech-entrepreneur and ethics thought leader, the question that still stands is, how can we translate these apparent otherworldly effects, to the rest of us? They feel needed, and their daily lives revolve around their family and community. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a host of problems, such as osteoporosis and heart disease, but regular, smart sun exposure (about 15 minutes on the legs and arms) can help supplement your diet and make sure youre getting enough of this vital nutrient. According to the most recent data from the Ministry of Health, this region will be painted blue for many years to come, as over 900 people over 90 have been recorded, along with over 5,000 inhabitants over 75, the majority of whom enjoy good health in their old age. mobile app. In parallel, and with the purpose of generating public policies, a Framework Cooperation Agreement in order to establish, promote and support the Blue Zone in the Nicoya Peninsula. He then went on release a book The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who Have Lived the Longest in 2008. Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! These characteristics are: Despite this, it is believed that 30% of a long healthy life comes from genes and 70% is based on lifestyle. Rooms have a mini fridge and theres a communal kitchen plus bikes to rent. This treasure includes the atmosphere around you." By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, Costa Rica's blue zone is so much more. I feel lucky to have found this information, though the credit doesn't belong to me, but rather to the older residents. The Nicoya Peninsula is in many ways isolated from the rest of Costa Rica due to geography. In parallel, the ICT has drawn attention to the concept of the Blue Zone as part of its wellness tourism strategy as a distinctive feature in promoting the destination, while the Ministry of Culture and Youth has identified the long-lived inhabitants as bearers of a tradition which they can contribute to recovering for future generations. At the southern tip of the peninsula is Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. Cities throughout the world can use this template to encourage people to live healthier lives. Eating fewer calories appears to be one of the surest ways to add years to your life. When on vacation in Costa Rica, its also easy to pick up Blue Zone habits like getting regular outdoor exercise and a good nights sleep (though be sure to go to bed early if you want to do your sun salutations at actual sunrise). The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! Nicoyans eat a light dinner early in the evening. These include Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece, and you guessed it; Nicoya, Costa Rica. Located on the Guanacaste Peninsula in northwestern Costa Rica, Nicoya is a rural, beachside, blue-zone community. We know we should include exercise into all parts of our lives (not just an hour at the gym). Blue zones are regions where some of the oldest and healthiest people live. Go to a soda, thats the name of a small, local caf, and look for casado this popular dish is rice and beans served with vegetables and either fish or meat. They feel needed and want to contribute to a greater good. A nine-hole golf course is a mile away. The international attendees also included Dan Buettner, a reporter and researcher for National Geographic, who has been responsible for popularizing the concept of Blue Zones through the publication of various articles and best-selling books that explore the direct connection between this issue and diet, spirituality, purpose in life and physical exercise, with happiness as a cross-cutting element. Costa Rica is home to one of the five original blue zones regions, the Nicoya peninsula, with a high number of centenarians in excellent health. We are always happy to help you out! Are you interested in learning more about the Costa Rica Blue Zone and other zones of the world? I have been exploring the data reported by National Geographic and Dan Buettner in the Blue Zones Solution: . We're going to focus on the last one, mostly because it hits close to home. Imagine yourself in a future not-so-distant, where more conscious lifestyle decisions you make at an individual level, are supported by a branch of medicine that attempts to change the course of diseases and regenerates failing parts of our bodies. The chance to do yoga in an open-air pavilion on the beach is not to be missed! Your email address will not be published. Famous for its gorgeous Pacific Coast beaches and well known for its surfing, wellness, yoga, and vibrant sunsets, the Nicoya peninsula is a paradise for the mind, body, and soul. Also, we would love to hear your thoughts on Blue Zones and what constitutes a long lifestyle. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Rice and black beans, gallo pinto, served with eggs and tropical fruit. Possessing the highest density of biodiversity of any country in the world, it is also labeled as one of the 5 "blue zones", a term coined by National Geographic author Dan Buettner, describing places where a high percentage of the population lives active . It includes black beans, cooked plantains, fresh papaya, yams, squash, homemade corn tortillas, and fish (if near the coast). We do not need to wait for our cities of residence to adopt the principles for healthier living outlined in the Blue Zones Project. Nicoya is located far off in Northeastern Costa Rica. Just note, you might have trouble finding a place to stay. These geographical areas are considered special, because most people live at least 90 and often over 100 years of age. So why is it that the people of Nicoya outlive so many others? Everywhere you go in Costa Rica, youll hear pura vida! and soon feel the freedom to adopt the pura vida lifestyle yourself. Throughout the world, the average life expectancy is 71 years of age (70 for males and 72 for females). Meat, fish, and poultry only make up 5% of the usual diet. The occasion was also used to release the most recent study on longevity by the Institute of Social Studies in Population (Instituto de Estudios Sociales en Poblacin, IDESPO) at the National University of Costa Rica. Nicoya, Costa Rica, is a Central American Caribbean nation that boasts economic security and excellent health care. We hope you love the Blue Zone Costa Rica stays we recommend. As of now, there are 5 blue zones: Icaria, Greece. The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. There will be a lot to learn and a lot to do to get back to a healthier normal. obesity, or heart disease. Jorge Vindas, Costa Ricas Blue Zone expert, says that its a combination of good genes, healthy food and water, regular low-intensity exercise, few vices, a strong connection to family, putting importance on religion or spirituality, and having a sense of purpose. Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! Read more below about the lessons that Nicoya, Costa Rica can teach you about longevity. Without a doubt, this is a challenge for the next generations, in the context of the world's age pyramid turning upside down, with ever more senior citizens. English is widely spoken and the town has lots of tourist infrastructure with a wide variety of restaurant and accommodation choices. Longevity then would not be a luxury only reserved for a few living in Blue Zones, but a reality for billions.. They eat many fruits and vegetables often grown on their own lands, and they tend not to consume much meat. He then had the idea to research areas in the world with the longest lifespan. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We have obtained information from Nicoya, Costa Rica on ways to live longer and be happier. January 18, 2022 . Spirituality and religious involvement/ beliefs. Getting up in the air on tree canopy tours via ziplines and rope bridges is popular throughout Costa Rica. Nicoya, Costa Rica - And then there's Nicoya, where Ricardo and his family live, a notable exception to the rule that people in developing countries have shorter life spans than those in developed ones. Costa Rica as a whole is a happy place. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The term 'Blue Zone' was coined by Dan Buettner, a New York Times bestselling author, who was studying areas to some of the oldest people in the world. What are Blue Zones? Dan Buettner is really the man behind Blue Zones, so I suggest you start your interest with him. Poor communities are notorious for living in food deserts. Book a transfer from your hotel, opt for a shuttle or public bus, or take a domestic flight to one of the peninsulas larger towns. Get your fill of fresh fruits like pineapple, mango, papaya, banana, and passionfruit and vegetables and legumes like squash, cassava, plantain, yam, and beans. As indicated by the World Health Organization, "active or positive aging is the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age". "The sense of community, shared purpose and celebration and appreciation for life in all its forms allows for a way of thriving that can even be seen today to have a connection to vitality and mitochondrial health." This provides the nutrition they need to work hard during the day. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. For the first time ever, the world's most prominent researchers shared their knowledge and most recent research on the topic of Blue Zones. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a host of problems, such as osteoporosis and heart disease, but regular, "smart" sun exposure (about 15 minutes on the legs and arms) can help . For most of their lives, Nicoyan centenarians ate a traditional Mesoamerican diet highlighted with the three sisters of agriculture: squash, corn, and beans. Look for howler and capuchin monkeys, parrots and parakeets, and bigger birds like herons and hawks. Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula joins Sardinia, Italy, Okinawa, Japan, Lima Linda, California, and Icaria, Greece as one of the world's five blue zones. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. March 2nd, 2023. Complex carbs provide the energy a person needs to get through the day. Barrio La California, Going down the west coast from Tamarindo youll find several beach towns, most notably yoga center Nosara and surfers paradise Santa Teresa. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Nicoya isn't full of marathon runners . Nicoyan water has the countrys highest calcium content, perhaps explaining the lower rates of heart disease, as well as stronger bones and fewer hip fractures. They typically do not consume a lot of meat. howler and white face monkeys, red variegated squirrels, sloths, anteaters, raccoon-like coatis, butterflies, plus some 900 bird species including the fiery-billed aracari toucan and the rufous-tailed hummingbird. Nearby is the Barra Honda National Park with its caves, the Monte Alto Nature Reserve where a variety of orchids grow, and other natural reserves where you can see wildlife. Here you will find some of the most beautiful beaches and hotels in Costa Rica, along with lush tropical forests perfect for hiking or horseback riding. These Blue Zones have a direct link to the promotion of tourism in the country, since it fits in well wellness tourism. While starting the day off with rice and beans may not be an ideal breakfast for most people, the key to a healthy breakfast is one rich with protein, complex carbs, and antioxidants (minus the preservatives). Throughout Costa Rica, youll find vegetarian gallo pinto (rice and beans) served at breakfast, lunch, and dinner the name means spotted rooster because the black beans dot the rice. The people of Nicoya value their families a lot, and you can often see them joking with their neighbors, working hard for long hours, and enjoying the sunshine. Do you ever wish you could know the secrets to a long and happy life? Nicoyans attribute much of their longevity to social values of faith and family. There are many factors that go into the long life of Nicoyans, and some of them will be impossible for you to replicate (unless you plan to move to an area of the world where the sun is always shining, the nature is amazing, and then you also need to bring all of your family with you). Nicoyas interior where most of the centenarians and almost-centenarians live and northeastern coast are less visited by tourists but still have much to offer. Alternatively, Blue. 4. They also practice good physical and mental health. Beyond this context, however, the health authorities are taking measures to help Costa Ricans reach over 80 years of age in good health. Buettner had spent several years before penning the article leading expeditions including tracing Darwin's route in the Galapagos and Marco Polo's trip along the Silk Road. After living there for four years I have my own theories as to what makes people so happy, and in turn have a longer life span. Brand Storytelling At Sundance: Championing Excellence And Filmmakers With Purpose, Profitable ECommerce Growth For CPGs Is In Reach. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The information and example set by the inhabitants of the Blue Zone of Nicoya are highly valuable, and some of the life habits can be emulated, planting a blue seed throughout the country. Nicoya is a small, rural beach community located on the Guanacaste peninsula on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. And now, it's a well-known fact: Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula, dubbed as a "high-longevity island," is one of the world's rare blue zones - one of only five original regions, joined by Icaria (Greece), Okinawa (Japan), Lima Linda (California, USA), and Sardinia (Italy). Each region has its own diet, types of exercise, and community structure, but each has specific elements in common - all starting with a sense of purpose. While walking gives Nicoyans a chance to exercise and get fresh air, it also gives them time to enjoy the natural beauty for which Nicoya is known. Near the fishing village of Tambor (reached by a 20-minute flight from San Jos or a drive down from the Paquera ferry) is Costa Ricas first all-inclusive. So, what's the secret behind our region's long life? Add the red onions, sliced radishes, tomatoes, orange supremes, cilantro and 3 tablespoons oil to the cabbage. It is home to some of the most active, hard-working, and friendliest people on earth. seen in blue zones. Nicoya, also known as the Nicoya Peninsula has not been only recognized as one of the 5 places in the planet with surprisingly high rate of longevity but also as the highest concentration of centenarians in the world. American researcher, Dan Buettner, discovered that people in these areas shared several lifestyle characteristics: They don't smoke; They eat a plant-based diet The peninsula is one of the worlds five Blue Zones where many people live exceptionally long and healthy lives. The best way we can mourn those lives lost is to honor them by creating a better future for our children, their children, and their childrens children by making healthier choices now. Nicoya is located on the Guanacaste peninsula in Costa Rica, and is considered one of the 7 blue zones found worldwide. Nicoya, Costa Rica A Latin American Blue Zone. When you book through our trusted partners we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Nicoyas west and south coasts are the most popular for visitors and offer a wide range of accommodations and access to the peninsulas wilderness and activities. That sense of purpose drives them in all aspects of their lives. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. It's a question that inhabitants of Guanacaste are happy to be asking themselves, since it's a true pride for the province's population to be home to one of the five such zones that exist worldwide. The Nicoya Peninsula, in Costa Rica, is one of them, . About two hours down the coast from Tamarindo is Nosara, Nicoyas yoga center (the Nosara Yoga Institute here offers teacher training). My fourth investigation into exactly what our Blue Zone folks eat has left this dietitian, well, intrigued. While Nicoyans start their day by eating a healthy breakfast, their diet is not the only secret to living long lives. For most Americans, an entrance ramp for a new lifestyle change is through their mouth, Buettner says. Most people in this area never move. I'm a Chief Metaverse Officer and a web3 luxury and fashion innovator. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. LIKED THIS? San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. Not only do they live longer, their metabolism is better, the levels of cognitive impairment are lower, and they function at a higher level. Win-win! A Blue Zone is the name given to one of the areas in the world where a majority of people have a life expectancy of at least 100 years old. Costa Rica is generally a healthy country because its government decided that education, healthcare, and protecting the environment are more important than funding its armed forces and it abolished its army in 1948. One is the plan de vida, or reason to live, which propels a positive outlook among elders and helps keep them active. People from Nicoya enjoy an ample dose of Vitamin D. They spend most of their time outside tending to the land and enjoy a healthy relationship with surrounding nature. Maintaining close ties with family and friends helps reduce stress. This vigorous village is one of the Blue Zones' unique hotspots. Who knows, maybe it will change your life! Hi! The world has a number of Blue Zones, areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. We can start making healthier choices today, thus living more enriching lives and encouraging others to adopt similar healthy ways of living. Blue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longest. Its name is due to the tribe that reigned prior to the arrival of the Spanish in 1520, it is said to come from the Nahuatlas words Nica, Necoclau or Necocyanh, which means surrounded by water. In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average life span is 85among the world's highest. Nicoya, Costa Rica: A Puzzling Blue Zone Diet Light on Vegetables and High in Carbohydrate and Sugar. The most southerly point is Cabo Blanco Reserve and the south coast also has the town of Tambor.