Come to Nicoya, Costa Rica, One of the World's Five 'Blue Zones' The Nicoya Peninsula has a high concentration of people over 100 years old and a low incidence of health problems like cancer or heart disease. Old people often have too little calcium in their bodies. The term Blue Zone was first used in a 2005 National Geographic cover story entitled The Secret of Long Life written by a man named Dan Buettner. Dan discovered five places where residents have low rates of chronic disease and live longer than anywhere else. For the first time ever, the world's most prominent researchers shared their knowledge and most recent research on the topic of Blue Zones. The Peninsula is covered by spectacular beaches that host nature's best. In other words, it lives longer than the average global life expectancy. Nicoyans attribute much of their longevity to social values of faith and family. Lane reasons why Chicago should use the Blue Zones template to improve the lives of people who live there. I cant blame you. 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. The five blue zones are: Loma Linda, California; Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. Over the last several months, the world has mourned the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives. These geographical areas are considered special, because most people live at least 90 and often over 100 years of age. Staples of the traditional Nicoya diet include homemade corn tortillas, black beans, white rice, a variety of squash, yams, papaya, bananas, and pejibayes. Located in northwestern Costa Rica, near the border with Nicaragua, Playas del Coco which is more commonly called Cocois a beach town, popular with both expats and Costa Ricans. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. What they generally don't know, however, is that a part of Costa Rica tourists rarely visit (the rural Nicoya Peninsula towns of Nicoya, Santa Cruz and environs) contains the largest. Do you ever wish you could know the secrets to a long and happy life? Actually, it is home. 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. They have a simplistic lifestyle - Nicoyans ordinarily make a living as farmers and or cattle ranchers, and this consistent activity is said to be one of the reasons for their longevity. Meaning, family ties are strong. There are 5 Blue Zones around the world, one of which is located on the Nicoya Peninsula; the others on the list are Sardinia in Italy, Okinawa in Japan, Loma Linda in the United States, and Icaria, in Greece. 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 sustainable and equitable promotion of the long-living population of seniors and the establishment of a cultural agenda aimed at strengthening sustainable, rural, community tourism stood out among the commitments made. All rights reserved. I feel lucky to have found this information, though the credit doesn't belong to me, but rather to the older residents. Costa Rica is known for its pura vida lifestyle and attitude. La Senda has a 2.5-acre labyrinth with a two-mile-long path (said to be the biggest in the world) as well as horseback riding. Drain and pat the onions dry with paper towel. Whether this pandemic impacts the average lifespan of people around the world or not, a lot can be gained by studying five specific regions in the world where people seemingly effortlessly live to over 90 years in age. Montezuma: Best Hotels in Costa Rica. In mid-November 2017, the first World Meeting of Blue Zones was held. Just note, you might have trouble finding a place to stay. Sardinia, Italy. Get your fill of fresh fruits like pineapple, mango, papaya, banana, and passionfruit and vegetables and legumes like squash, cassava, plantain, yam, and beans. Rice and black beans, gallo pinto, served with eggs and tropical fruit. Nearby are waterfalls at Montezuma, ziplining near the Cabo Blanco Reserve, and kite surfing. This is due to key decisions the country has taken through its history that have positively affected its performance in social progress, environment, society and overall peace indicators, explains Daniel Valverde, Essential Costa Rica country brand director. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. He then had the idea to research areas in the world with the longest lifespan. There are five areas of the world that meet the qualifications of Blue Zone as defined by Buettner. Blue zones are regions where some of the oldest and healthiest people live. Longevity then would not be a luxury only reserved for a few living in Blue Zones, but a reality for billions.. Nicoya, Costa Rica. Brand Storytelling At Sundance: Championing Excellence And Filmmakers With Purpose, Profitable ECommerce Growth For CPGs Is In Reach. "This meeting commits us to preserve this Blue Zone, but most importantly, it should have a multiplier effect and serve as an example for the other cantons of the country" said Ana Monge, Commissioner of the Presidential Social Council of the Government of Costa Rica. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. 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. 3 International Psychedelic Retreats Poised To Take Wellness Travel Into the Future, The Most Romantic Couples Massages in Las Vegas, The 20 Happiest Countries in the World, 2022, What Its Like To Stay at Hilton Head Health, One of Americas Most Renowned Wellness Resorts, 5 Types of Meditation That Will Relieve Your Travel Stress, long-life characteristics of the Nicoya Peninsula, How To Move To Costa Rica and Live There on the Cheap, These Stunning Cabins Are the Ultimate Zion National Park Basecamps, 8 of the Coolest Airbnbs Near Disney World, Orlando, 8 La Condesa Airbnbs To Settle Into Mexico Citys Coolest Neighborhood, The 11 Absolute Best Beaches in Costa Rica, This Luxury Hotel Has Transformed a Plane Into a Suite in the Costa Rican Jungle, A Guide To Feeling Your Best as a Plus-Size SpaGuest, The Best Airbnbs in Venice, From a Rialto Flat To a San Marco Studio, Download the The baby turtles hatch 45 to 54 days later and, if theyre lucky, might live another 50 to 80 years. Another option is to take the 75-minute ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya from Puntarenas to Paquera. In these areas people have low rates of chronic diseases, so they tend to live longer than in other places. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Throughout the world, the average life expectancy is 71 years of age (70 for males and 72 for females). Also on offer are boat trips to the volcanic Tortuga Islands, where snorkelers might spot angelfish and porcupine fish, and theres a chance of seeing dolphins, manta and spotted eagle rays, and turtles on the way. Youre sure to be on the path to a long and healthy life after the four-handed Abundance Treatment, which combines Reiki, Shiatsu, Swedish massage, sound and aromatherapy, and acupressure. Nicoya, Costa Rica, is a Central American Caribbean nation that boasts economic security and excellent health care. People often consider the impact of global decisions on future generations through legislation. There are five regions around the world called the Blue Zones: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece, and Loma Linda, California. To my delight, Costa Rica has its own Blue Zone - the Nicoya Peninsula! Plantains are high in potassium, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. The waters around the Nicoya Peninsula are also home to several species of fish including tuna and red snapper. There are two trails for visitors and a pristine white sand beach. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. 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. Healthy and supportive relationships with friends and family are another one of their keys to longevity. Eating fewer calories appears to be one of the surest ways to add years to your life. As of now, there are 5 blue zones: Icaria, Greece. 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. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. When Dan Buettner introduced the concept of Blue Zones, he formed the Blue Zones Project. 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. "The five cantons of the peninsula continue to appear with greater longevity and we've confirmed this everywhere we've investigated. It was time for me to conquer the Nicoya Peninsula. Nicoyan centenarians have been the focus of many articles. The distinguished list included pioneering researchers on this subject: Michel Poulain of Belgium, Dr. Gianni Mario Pes and Paolo Francalacci from Sardinia, Italy, Christina Chrysochoou from Icaria, Greece, Makoto Suzuki from Okinawa, Japan, Gina Siapco from Loma Linda, USA, and Diego Bernardini from Argentina. Their traditional diet of fortified maize and beans may be the best nutritional combination for longevity the world has ever known. If you would like to be near things but get a bit more of a feel for traditional Nicoya life while also enjoying a bit of the touristy perks (surfing, fun restaurants etc.) All of the international experts agreed that the factors that make healthy longevity possible must be communicated worldwide, in order to reflect on the implications of Blue Zones, unique geographical areas with a high concentration of inhabitants who live to ninety or one hundred years of age, whose aging process is positive, and most importantly, deliberate and active. However, Costa Rica's blue zone is so much more. I mean, how can you not be happy when the average daily temperature is 85 degrees fahrenheit, you can easily get to the beach or jungle, and youre surrounded by an abundance of nature and wildlife? Nicoyan centenarians get frequent visits from neighbors. They also practice good physical and mental health. 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. BOOK YOUR COSTA RICA RENTAL CAR AND SAVE 10%. Thanks to the peninsulas reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. 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). This Central American nation isn't that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. Nicoya is a small, rural beach community located on the Guanacaste peninsula on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. Learn more about typical diet with our Guide to Costa Rican Food. Even in areas like Nicoya, this has been replaced with the ease of processed meals and fast food (although there are very few fast food options in Nicoya in my experience). And a breakfast rich with antioxidants helps to protect a persons cells from disease. Dubbed "blue zones," residents of these areas share a common environment and lifestyle that . While a Blue Zone indicates a hotspot of healthy longevity, it also presents a challenge of how to extend these benefits throughout the population outside of these redoubts. It was a spontaneous decision to move here, but it was the best decision! 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). Loma Linda, California. I had visited the famous Costa Rica "must-see" spots - Arenal, Manuel Antonio, the cloud forest, the Osa Peninsula - some of them a few times. Feel free to leave them in the comment section below. Having worked with the pioneers in mind-body research and psychoneuroimmunology. We can no longer afford to allow the COVID pandemic to cause us to live in or out of a place of fear. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Some of the roads in Nicoyas interior and south arent paved, so the deeper you go into the peninsula the more you may prefer to fly (for example, its a 20-minute flight from San Jos to the tiny Tambor airport in the south). The peak nesting time is from August to November and in the days before a new moon, thousands of turtles congregate in the Pacific waiting for the perfect time to come ashore and dig a hole to lay their eggs. The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. The 9 Secrets Boosting a Long Life in Nicoya, Costa Rica: They have a strong sense of purpose No matter how old they are, Nicoyans have a strong sense of purpose, a reason to live longer. Down on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica's Blue Zone, visitors can book into a yoga retreat, eat freshly caught fish, go surfing and ride horses along the beach. 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. Lets explore the Blue Zone in Nicoya, Costa Rica and what the Nicoyan lifestyle can teach us about humanity and what we could do better in the future. "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." Though Chicago is not one of those cities that uses the template outlined in the Blue Zones Project, the city could adapt to the Blue Zones principals. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. Sustainability is said to be a way of life, and Costa Rica has actually reversed deforestation; protects more than a quarter of its landmass via 29 national parks, 19 wildlife refuges, and eight biological reserves; gets 93 percent of its electricity from renewable resources, and aims to be completely decarbonized by 2050. Everywhere you go in Costa Rica, youll hear pura vida! and soon feel the freedom to adopt the pura vida lifestyle yourself. Buettner approached National Geograhic with his idea and they agreed to help fund his research. Nantipas special wellness booking includes yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic and sound therapies, and sessions with wellness coaches and personal trainers. 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. 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. These characteristics are: Despite this, it is believed that 30% of a long healthy life comes from genes and 70% is based on lifestyle. Eco-tourism is a natural must in this out-of-this-world scenario, where everything that happens is in a quiet, lovely pace. Wellness enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. Nicoyan centenarians frequently visit with neighbors, and they tend to live with families and children or grandchildren who provide support, as well as a sense of purpose. Demographers have identified the area, located on Costa Rica's northern Pacific coast, as a Blue Zone or "longevity hot spot," typified by a higher-than-normal number of people living past the age of one hundred. Not long after, he began to lead trips to the first Blue Zones that he had discovered. 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. Arising from this need, one of the results of the meeting was the establishment of an International Network on Healthy Aging, which will be led from Costa Rica in order to "build knowledge collaboratively", said Montero. We hope you love the Blue Zone Costa Rica stays we recommend. 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. The concept of Blue Zones came from a series of demographic and statistical projects led by Gianni Pes and Michel Poulain, but they were made famous worldwide by the research work of journalist Dan Buettner, along with a team from National Geographic and the publication of his book, The Blue Zones. In the south between the Paquera ferry and the village of Tambor, youll have an excellent chance of seeing wildlife within the privately-owned Cur Wildlife Reserve. Lane cites the impact of COVID-19 on minorities like Blacks and Hispanics throughout Chicago. By encouraging Nicoyans belief community and sense of purpose through work, family, or nature, cities could help their poorest thrive. For many the hope is that the lessons that these centenarians can teach us and the secrets of well-being and longevity that live in this extraordinary part of the world, will be able benefit all of humanity in the future. Fish is a lean protein and provides oils which help with overall brain function. For those who might need some meal ideas, Dan Buettner, wrote the Blue Zones Kitchen cookbook. 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. The Ikarians and the Ikaria is another one of the Blue Zones, and the Costa Ricans, Nicoya, they're taking a nap. This healthy breakfast gives them the nutrients they need for a day of tending crops and livestock. Hi! Every morning, at dawn, before the men of Nicoya ride their horses through the mountains of the Costa Rican peninsula, they eat a healthy breakfast. Within Nosaras lush forest and a three-minute walk to Guiones Beach, this small hotel has a daily yoga class plus private yoga instruction, surf lessons, a large pool, hammocks, and a juice and coffee bar. The most amazing part about people who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica is that many of them live without medication or disability. First and foremost, the competition to get ahead isnt the same here as it is in some other western countries. Currently, three emblematic examples of this Blue Zone include the centenarians Jos Bonifacio "Pachito" Villegas, from Pochote de Quebrada Honda, Nicoya, who rides a horse every day at age 100, Trinidad Espinoza, who recounts anecdotes from Costa Rica in the 1930s continuously while she feeds her chickens, and Dmaso Mendoza, age 102, who, on receiving a visitor, always talks about her years as a dancer and how she enjoys the company of the five generations of her family in Santa Ana de Beln, Carillo. The climate in the Blue Zone is very mild, which may help to protect against diseases. However, both towns have a more touristy vibe to them. They typically do not consume a lot of meat. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. 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. People who have diabetes, heart conditions, or are overweight tend to have a more difficult time if they are infected by COVID-19. Nicoyans often live more than 100 years and Nicoya boasts of the highest number of centenarians in the world. 11 talking about this. Community. Now I was excited to roam off the beaten path into a world-famous Nicoya Peninsula blue zone. In other words, people in these zones to live longer than any other areas in the world. Reporter Dan Buettner closed by saying "it is a great honor to see the results of the idea of researching the issue of longevity that emerged fifteen years ago is coming to fruition in the meeting of the major scientific researchers on the subject of Blue Zones." Let's start with our home - the Nicoya Peninsula.This tropical region in the north west of Costa Rica, has the world's lowest rate of middle-aged mortality, and the second highest amount of men over 100 years of age. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. The beautiful view of the beaches may also have a hand in this. That's why this part of Costa Rica is designated a Blue Zone, the term used for just five areas of the world where people live extraordinarily long and vibrant lives. Also, we would love to hear your thoughts on Blue Zones and what constitutes a long lifestyle. These commitments also included mechanisms to develop best practices in health promotion in the "five blue cantons" of the Peninsula, strengthening support networks, and incentivizing the recuperation of life lessons and traditions. You can, thanks to the world's "blue zones." I suggest visiting Cabuya (a small town between Montezuma and Santa Teresa) or San Francisco de Coyote (a remote beach town). Blue Zones Nicoya naci en 2014, una empresa 100% costarricense, que durante los ltimos 6 aos ha sido destacada por la investigacin de alimentos locales de la Zona Azul de Nicoya-Guanacaste. 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. Spirituality and religious involvement/ beliefs. Centenarians seem to have enjoyed physical work of all their lives. 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. Its one of our favorite places in Costa Rica and most likely where we would move if we ever moved to the beach. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The reason why they are called "blue zones" is a curious story Genetics and Costa Ricas natural environment certainly play a large part, but lifestyle is a major factor in why Blue Zone residents live so long. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, I'm a Chief Metaverse Officer and a web3 luxury and fashion innovator. The Nicoya Peninsula is in many ways isolated from the rest of Costa Rica due to geography. We are always happy to help you out! Read more below about the lessons that Nicoya, Costa Rica can teach you about longevity. 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. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! Technology permeates everyday life and Nicoya is the perfect place to go for a digital detox. Your email address will not be published. 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 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. This is an excerpt fromBlue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longestby Dan Buettner, copyright 2008, all rights reserved. Nicoya is located far off in Northeastern Costa Rica. Its difficult to maintain family bonds and friendships when school and work take us far from home, into strange communities. 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. Moais are a powerful social tradition that create feelings of belonging, purpose and security. Due to the Nicoya Peninsula's location in Central America, the area has an abundance of warm days with tons of sunlight. LIKED THIS? Meat, fish, and poultry only make up 5% of the usual diet. The Nicoya Peninsula is on Costa Ricas north Pacific coast. But the simplest truth is that what one needs is to sleep eight hours every night, eat a nutritious, plant-based diet during a six-hour period to give your pancreas an 18-hour break until your next meal, and be at peace with everything and everyone all of the time, he adds. Although the Blue Zone Project isnt all about diet, and its certainly about more than food for the people of Nicoya it is a big difference from the typical American diet (no matter what type of community). Pablo Jenkins, a regenerative investor and futurist explains that it is a great time to take on that wisdom from the local ancestors and combine it with new regenerative ways of living. These include Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece, and you guessed it; Nicoya, Costa Rica. Many believe it will be through the cutting-edge innovations of regenerative medicine that the privileges of the Blue Zones can be democratized, so that anyone, anywhere, and at any time has access to the technology that allows us to replenish, replace and rejuvenate our physical bodies., What weve witnessed during 2020 are healthcare systems around the world that are reactive, bureaucratic, inefficient, and saturated. Your best bet might be finding a VRBO instead of a hotel. Lane reported isolation, alienation, and high rates of depression in Chicagos poorest neighborhoods as some of the reasons behind the high rates of COVID cases. 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.
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