Get to Know Costa Rica's Blue Zone: The Nicoya Peninsula Want to Live Longer? Come to Nicoya, Costa Rica, One of the World's 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. 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. ", For Belgian researcher Michel Poulain, one of the most important message of the World Meeting of Blue Zones is to tell the world that "Costa Rica has a treasure of longevity in the Nicoya Peninsula, that comes from the past generations, which has been built year by year. 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. Toss gently. O segreto da Zona Azul de Nicoya. When you book through our trusted partners we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It is also one of the world's Blue Zones. Stir in two chopped plum tomatoes, half of a finely chopped onion and one . Try opting to walk places instead of driving. Sardinia, Italy. Everywhere you go in Costa Rica, youll hear pura vida! and soon feel the freedom to adopt the pura vida lifestyle yourself. Blue Zone: Nicoya, Costa Rica - Plant-Based Life Foundation Costa Rica is known for its pura vida lifestyle and attitude. It is home to some of the most active, hard-working, and friendliest people on earth. It is believed that one factor which may contribute to the high number of Nicoyan centenarians is the high calcium content in the water. The Today Show's Cynthia McFadden accompanied Blue Zones founder Dan Buettner to Costa Rica and Singapore to learn why they these two different places have such happy residents. Nicoyan centenarians get frequent visits from neighbors. Nicoyans attribute much of their longevity to social values of faith and family. 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. You can hike along trails, go horseback riding, kayak through the mangroves, and swim off the beach. Its about 75 miles long and 35 miles wide, with the northern section a part of Guanacaste province and the southern section in Puntarenas province. Exploring the Blue Zones of Costa Rica: The Nicoya Peninsula Though Costa Rica has just 0.03 percent of the planets surface, it has almost six percent of the worlds biodiversity and you might see (or hear!) Many Nicoyans choose to walk from one destination to another instead of driving. By comparison, a person in the United States can reasonably expect to live to just 77, according to federal census data. Full of natural beauty, endless sunlight, white beaches and radiant ocean, Nicoya reigns as one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica. Win-win! Every day, most people eat a breakfast of black beans and rice (called gallo pinto), eggs, fresh corn tortillas (with batter soaked in lime juice), with a cup of coffee. Brand Storytelling At Sundance: Championing Excellence And Filmmakers With Purpose, Profitable ECommerce Growth For CPGs Is In Reach. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. Water sports are on offer pretty much everywhere along Nicoyas coast, whether you prefer surfing, kayaking, standup paddleboarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, or just checking out whats happening in the tide pools. People often consider the impact of global decisions on future generations through legislation. It's also an area identified as a "Blue Zone . What Is The Potential Of Generative AI In Healthcare? In one of Buettner's most recent visits to Costa Rica, he defined Blue Zones as "a kind of lifestyle and environment that creates longevity. Costa Rica: Land of the Centenarians Costa Rica Experts 2023. Look for howler and capuchin monkeys, parrots and parakeets, and bigger birds like herons and hawks. Beyond this context, however, the health authorities are taking measures to help Costa Ricans reach over 80 years of age in good health. Get your fill of fresh fruits like pineapple, mango, papaya, banana, and passionfruit and vegetables and legumes like squash, cassava, plantain, yam, and beans. Inadequate calcium means weak muscles -- including the heart. Your best bet might be finding a VRBO instead of a hotel. Not long after, he began to lead trips to the first Blue Zones that he had discovered. Community. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. Rare species like pumas, ocelots, and margay cats make their home here too. 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. Maintaining close ties with family and friends helps reduce stress. This information has been translated into lessons that can be implemented into your everyday life. Thomas Ramsauer / Shutterstock. Costa Rica Experts Wins 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers Choice Award, Where to Find Black Sand Beaches in Costa Rica, Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: What to Expect Month by Month, 11 Travel Mistakes To Avoid Before Your Trip, 8 Costa Rica Natural Mysteries You Have to See to Believe, 5 Common Misconceptions About Travel in Costa Rica, 10 Top Costa Rica Honeymoon Bungalows & Suites, 3 Costa Rica Hotels Made The Travel & Leisure Top 100 in the World List, Costa Rica Expert Interview with Aaron Daker: top destinations, new hotels, & best months to travel. They first noticed that people in several villages on the Italian island of Sardinia were living well into their 90s and 100s and that they had few significant mental or physical health problems. Specifically, the rural landscapes of the Nicoya Peninsula, where people have some of the longest lifespans in the world. BOOK YOUR COSTA RICA RENTAL CAR AND SAVE 10%. 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. 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? The term first emerged in 2005 in a Nation Geographic magazine cover, "The Secrets of a Long Life.". Do you have any questions about the Costa Rica Blue Zone? This is an excerpt fromBlue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longestby Dan Buettner, copyright 2008, all rights reserved. He has written numerous books on the topic, but I suggest starting with: Blue Zones of Happiness and The Blue Zones Kitchen (a cookbook). They typically do not consume a lot of meat. You can design your own holistic retreat too, choosing from a Kirtan sound bath, detox program, cacao ceremony, blue clay treatment, drum circles, and more. Santa Teresa is great for surfing and enjoying a small but vibrant town with a backpacker vibe. Nicoyans often live more than 100 years and Nicoya boasts of the highest number of centenarians in the world. 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. English is widely spoken and the town has lots of tourist infrastructure with a wide variety of restaurant and accommodation choices. For those who might need some meal ideas, Dan Buettner, wrote the Blue Zones Kitchen cookbook. 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. Alternatively, Blue. Ministry of Health data indicate that life expectancy is nearly 80 years, which is the highest in Central America, according to the World Bank. Is it Something in the Water? - ABC News Oftentimes, this helps maintain healthy and supportive relationships within their communities, and develop a strong sense of faith and purpose along the way. Personally, I find that a combination of a healthy diet, exercise, and social contact all help lower my stress; which is crucial in a long life span. The template laid out in the Blue Zones Project: natural foods, daily movement, community, and sense of purpose, can help anyone develop stronger immune systems, so they can live healthier and longer lives. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. It is fascinating to see which factors play into long lifespan including how you can emulate this lifestyle. I cant blame you. Youll stay in one of 21 suites, bungalows, and villas; lounge in poolside hammocks; walk on the beach; swim; and enjoy seafood purchased from local fishers and bread by the local baker in the open-air Manzu Restaurant thats right on Playa Santa Teresa. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2008-2023 Law Dissertation Writing Services. Living the Pure Life in Nicoya, Costa Rica - Viva Tropical 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Longevity then would not be a luxury only reserved for a few living in Blue Zones, but a reality for billions.. 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. 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. Now, visiting Nicoya doesnt mean youll automatically live to 100, but a trip there is likely to put you on the path to pure life thanks to its natural environment and abundance of healthy activities. Check out all of our favorite travel companies. So, having extra-hard water may help keep Nicoyans' hearts strong, and longer. There are plenty of good-for-you activities to keep you busy on the Nicoya Peninsula jump in the water with a surfboard or snorkel, get up high on a zipline, stretch out with a yoga class, or take a hike (call it forest bathing if you wish) in a nature reserve. Also, the environment just exudes joy. Learn more about typical diet with our Guide to Costa Rican Food. Its difficult to maintain family bonds and friendships when school and work take us far from home, into strange communities. Costa Rica is one of the few tropical countries where its safe to drink tap water even for foreigners and theres no need to buy plastic water bottles. In the Nicoya Peninsula, the water is particularly rich in calcium and magnesium which studies show is good for cardiovascular health and preventing cancer. Because of this, they enjoy extremely low rates of heart disease. Not only do they live longer, their metabolism is better, the levels of cognitive impairment are lower, and they function at a higher level. The Nicoyan way of life can enlighten people to make choices that will help to increase their life expectancy. [Try this 5-Minute Tasty Squash and Beans for a taste of Costa Rican homecooking.]. Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. And here are two great reports done that will give you a better understanding of the Nicoya people, area, and mindset. Cala Luna won most innovative wellness hotel from the Global Beauty & Wellness Awards thanks to daily complimentary wellness activities like hatha yoga, bikes to borrow, farm-to-table cuisine (from La Sendas farm) with organic and biodynamic wines, and the innovative treatments at its Lahari Wellness Center spa. 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. 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. Unlocking the secret to longevity in Nicoya region Costa Rica By TCRN STAFF October 5, 2022 528 0 As of now, there are 5 blue zones: Icaria, Greece. 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. At the southern tip of the peninsula is Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. This vigorous village is one of the Blue Zones' unique hotspots. A research team is currently researching the . Costa Rica Tourism Board, Institutional Site, Costa Rica Convention Center, Promotional Site, Costa Rica Tourism Board | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map. Heres how to plan a trip to the Blue Zone in Costa Rica. The climate in the Blue Zone is very mild, which may help to protect against diseases. 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. Tamarindo is also a great place for solo travelers. We do not need to wait for our cities of residence to adopt the principles for healthier living outlined in the Blue Zones Project. 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. Feel free to leave them in the comment section below. They are eye-opening and heart-tugging. Nicoyan centenarians tend to live with their families, and children or grandchildren provide support and a sense of purpose and belonging. This provides the nutrition they need to work hard during the day. 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. Eco-tourism is a natural must in this out-of-this-world scenario, where everything that happens is in a quiet, lovely pace. They also practice good physical and mental health. Where are the world's Blue Zones located? 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. Your email address will not be published. We have obtained information from Nicoya, Costa Rica on ways to live longer and be happier. They feel needed, and their daily lives revolve around their family and community. Required fields are marked *, car rental deal! 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. So why is it that the people of Nicoya outlive so many others? Costa Rica Blue Zone: The Secret to Longevity? Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). The Ikarians and the Ikaria is another one of the Blue Zones, and the Costa Ricans, Nicoya, they're taking a nap. Nicoya, Costa Rica. But we must also consider the impact of our individual health and lifestyle choices on future generations. Cities throughout the world can use this template to encourage people to live healthier lives. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. A blue zone is a geographical area in which the population is the longest-lived. Rice and black beans, gallo pinto, served with eggs and tropical fruit. Actually, it is home. 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In other words, Nicoyans receive a healthy dose of vitamins in their daily diet. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Its also easy to eat healthy in Costa Rica, with its abundance of local foods grown in its fertile volcanic soil. Offering barefoot luxury on Playa Langosta this family-owned boutique hotel is a 15-minute walk from downtown Tamarindo. Does this beach paradise hold the secret to long life? | CNN Just note, you might have trouble finding a place to stay. Blue Zones Nicoya - Esencial Costa Rica A "Blue Zone" is a region of the world where people commonly live past the age of 100 years.In "Blue Zone Nicoya Peninsula", residents live even longer than those in other areas of Costa Rica. We must make the health of future generations our responsibility by implementing the lifestyles of the Blue Zones people now. A "Blue Zone" is an area of the world where it is typical for people to live past 100 years old. Support the Blue Zone Communities in Costa Rica The world has 5 recognized Blue Zones (as determined by the authority of National Geographic ). You can, thanks to the world's "blue zones." None of these staples are processed, and because all of these foods are locally grown they are not faced with genetically modified or pesticide laden produce. We are always happy to help you out! They feel needed and want to contribute to a greater good. 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. 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. I feel lucky to have found this information, though the credit doesn't belong to me, but rather to the older residents. Costa Rica as a whole is a happy place. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. There will be a lot to learn and a lot to do to get back to a healthier normal. 11 talking about this. 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. Scarlet macaws are bred in Tambor and youll have a chance of seeing them, even on the beach. Blue zones are regions where some of the oldest and healthiest people live. The Blue Zone of the Nicoya Peninsula stands out for the beauty of its landscapes, its tourist attractions, and its conservation areas, but above all, for the stories told by the long-lived inhabitants of the region, who have exceeded the life expectancy in Costa Rica and continue to be lucid and active, and who enjoy long, healthy lives. Dan Buettner is really the man behind Blue Zones, so I suggest you start your interest with him. Of course, there is still a desire for success (especially in the cities) but in general, the priorities are shifted. Thanks to the peninsulas reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. Making the smart choice in traditional Blue Zones is often the only choice available, not really a choice at all. Why are Costa Rica and Singapore Two of the Happiest - Blue Zones On today's podcast, Gina does some serious myth-busting about what has kept the centenarians so well, for so long. It helps them remain positive. 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 . Guevara lives in the Nicoya peninsula of Costa Rica. They include good physical and mental health, upholding a traditional diet, a deep faith and spirituality, support and respect to family networks that go across generations, where grandchildren spend time with their grandparents and share in their knowledge, physical activity and constant mobility, and a purpose in life associated with spirituality. Healthy and supportive relationships with friends and family are another one of their keys to longevity. Nicoya is a small, rural beach community located on the Guanacaste peninsula on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. These regions are considered Blue Zones. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Wellness enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. Most people in this area never move. Now I was excited to roam off the beaten path into a world-famous Nicoya Peninsula blue zone. So, Nicoya is another blue zone in the world alongside Okinawa (Japan), Cerdea (Italia), Icaria (Greece) and Loma Linda (California). It requires descending 17 yards down a ladder to see cave formations that resemble fried eggs, popcorn, roses, and shark teeth. Nicoya is famous for being a marvelous playground for surfers all over the world. 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. Buettner approached National Geograhic with his idea and they agreed to help fund his research. 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. One of the five designated blue zones in the world, the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica features residents who live even longer than those in the rest of the country. "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. These cantons are: Carillo, Hojancha, Nicoya, Santa Cruz, and Nandoyure. Meanwhile, last year the average individual from the United States ate 222.2 pounds of meat and poultry. This information is complemented by studies carried out by Costa Rican demographer Dr. Luis Rosero Bixby, which show that the mortality of inhabitants of the Nicoya Peninsula aged 90 is 10% lower than for Costa Ricans of the same age elsewhere in the country. Are you interested in learning more about the Costa Rica Blue Zone and other zones of the world? It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your 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. 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. He then went on release a book The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who Have Lived the Longest in 2008. It is not unusual for several generations to gather on a regular basis for lively gatherings. Meat, fish, and poultry only make up 5% of the usual diet. The gateway to the Nicoya Peninsula is the beach town of Tamarindo on the west coast, which is very popular with international travelers. Centenarian Dietary Secrets - The Weston A. Price Foundation Pura vida means pure or simple life and Costa Ricas Nicoya Peninsula has what you could call extreme pura vida. A three-course farm-to-table dinner with a tour of the organic garden is available Mondays and Thursdays. Why People Live So Long On Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula - TravelAwaits 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. However, Costa Rica's blue zone is so much more. First . He finished, stating emphatically "please keep it and put the new generation on the same line in the treasure of this Blue Zone.". Dinner is typically a light meal, consumed early in the evening which allows plenty of time for digestion before bed.
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