This Central American nation isnt that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. Guest Writer for Wake Up World. The World Meeting of Blue Zones laid the groundwork, in a spirit of s se puede (yes we can), envisioning a blue Costa Rica, following the example of healthy habits set by more than 900 inhabitants aged 90 or older, and the centenarians of Nicoya Peninsula. WED LOVE IF YOUD ADD IT ON PINTEREST! Blessed with sandy beaches and tropical forest, it's something of a backpackers' paradise. Certain common characteristics were also established in order to determine whether additional Blue Zones could be added in the near future. In a few, unique communities around the globe, people live long and heathy lives, up to and past 100. 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!) There are two trails for visitors and a pristine white sand beach. Santa Teresa is great for surfing and enjoying a small but vibrant town with a backpacker vibe. For one, Costa Rica is a small country and most people never move away from the area they were born in. Swimming holes dot the peninsula too, including beneath the Montezuma waterfall. One of the world's Blue Zones is in Nicoya, Costa Rica. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. "The five cantons of the peninsula continue to appear with greater longevity and we've confirmed this everywhere we've investigated. Get some sensible sun. When that day comes, Nicoyas Blue Zone will continue to be an example of the resiliency of the human body and spirit. Barrio La California, What are Blue Zones? 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. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. We have obtained information from Nicoya, Costa Rica on ways to live longer and be happier. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. Nicoya isn't full of marathon runners . Get your fill of fresh fruits like pineapple, mango, papaya, banana, and passionfruit and vegetables and legumes like squash, cassava, plantain, yam, and beans. Hi, my name is Mike Gillespie & I'm fundraising to help support the Blue Zone communities in Nicoya Costa Rica. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. 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. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. Nosara also has three beaches remote black sand Playa Nosara, Playa Guiones with some of Costa Ricas best surfing, and Playa Pelada for tide pools, blow holes, snorkeling, and swimming. Sardinia, Italy. That means family ties are the backbone for most peoples existence. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. And a breakfast rich with antioxidants helps to protect a persons cells from disease. Maintaining close ties with family and friends helps reduce stress. "Looking beyond Costa Ricas Blue Zone in Nicoya, elements that make our population stand out and that describe our focus on well-being can be found in every corner of our territory. Try opting to walk places instead of driving. English is widely spoken and the town has lots of tourist infrastructure with a wide variety of restaurant and accommodation choices. ", 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. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. Gone are the days of making your own food and growing organic produce. We're going to focus on the last one, mostly because it hits close to home. 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. I cant blame you. 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. For example, we know that Nicoya is the driest part of Costa Rica, that it used to be part of Nicaragua, and that more Indians intermarried with the Spanish who began settling here in 1510. 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. The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. Meat, fish, and poultry only make up 5% of the usual diet. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 . 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. Old people often have too little calcium in their bodies. 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. The town of Nicoya is considered the oldest in Costa Rica, it is popularly known as "the colonial city". If you want to really embrace the Nicoya Peninsula blue zone vibe, head to any small village in the area. 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. Costa Rica Experts 2023. Almost 40 percent of the residents of the Nicoya Peninsula (about 5,000 of the population of 132,000) are over the age of 75, more than 900 are over the age of 90, and many are over 100. This is a BETA experience. 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. For those who might need some meal ideas, Dan Buettner, wrote the Blue Zones Kitchen cookbook. By encouraging Nicoyans belief community and sense of purpose through work, family, or nature, cities could help their poorest thrive. They know how to listen, laugh, and appreciate what they have. Having worked with the pioneers in mind-body research and psychoneuroimmunology. There are four similar places on earth: Costa Ricas Nicoya Peninsula, Okinawa in Japan, the Greek island of Ikaria, as well as Loma Linda in California (though that one might just be due to its large population of Seventh-day Adventists and their healthy lifestyle). Many of us in Western countries know we need to eat less junk and add more natural food to our diets. In terms of a definition, these zones are geographical areas with a high concentration of long-lived populations, who frequently reach ninety or one hundred years of age. 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. 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. I feel lucky to have found this information, though the credit doesn't belong to me, but rather to the older residents. Complex carbs provide the energy a person needs to get through the day. In mid-November 2017, the first World Meeting of Blue Zones was held. People who have diabetes, heart conditions, or are overweight tend to have a more difficult time if they are infected by COVID-19. The traditional diet in the area is also notable. In other words, people in these zones to live longer than any other areas in the world. 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. At the southern tip of the peninsula is Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. These places are full of one-hundred-year-olds who have reached such like live wires, not in bed or in hospital. The quality of Nicoyas water might be one of the reasons residents live long enough to become centenarians and almost-centenarians. My fourth investigation into exactly what our Blue Zone folks eat has left this dietitian, well, intrigued. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. I'm a Chief Metaverse Officer and a web3 luxury and fashion innovator. The term first emerged in 2005 in a Nation Geographic magazine cover, "The Secrets of a Long Life.". Successful centenarians have a strong sense of purpose. 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. 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. It is a template outlining the lifestyles of people who live in places like Nicoya, Costa Rica. In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average lifespan is 85 among the world's highest. Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! The world has a number of 'Blue Zones', areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. 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. They eat many fruits and vegetables often grown on their own lands, and they tend not to consume much meat. Who knows, maybe it will change your life! The most southerly point is Cabo Blanco Reserve and the south coast also has the town of Tambor. Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). As of now, there are 5 blue zones: Icaria, Greece. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, 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. Adapting our lifestyles wherever we live to healthier practices such as intermittent fasting, walkability, exploring plant-based gastronomy, and low glycemic index food intake sound like your everyday doctors recipe for a healthy life, says Cedeno-Molinari. Nicoya is famous for being a marvelous playground for surfers all over the world. 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. Nicoya, Costa Rica. They have groups of friend with whom they share healthy habits.". This Central American nation isn't that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. So, what's the secret behind our region's long life? 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. Research shows that 30% of longevity comes from genes, and the remaining 70% from lifestyle. In an article in the Chicagoan, Marc J. Nicoya, Costa Rica A Latin American Blue Zone. 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. Beyond this context, however, the health authorities are taking measures to help Costa Ricans reach over 80 years of age in good health. Nicoya. Blue Zone is a term created by author Dan Buettner, building off of research by demographers Michel Poulain, Ph.D., and Giovanni Pes, Ph.D. 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. Most residents here live to be over the age of 90 and there's a high number of centenarians as well. 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). Out of these cookies, 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. However, altering your diet, increasing the amount of exercise you get in a given day, and embracing relationships with family and friends are good places to start. Many Nicoyans choose to walk from one destination to another instead of driving. 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. 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. Dinner is typically a light meal, consumed early in the evening which allows plenty of time for digestion before bed. We know we should include exercise into all parts of our lives (not just an hour at the gym). 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. 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. Check out all of our favorite travel companies. It helps them remain positive. You can hike along trails, go horseback riding, kayak through the mangroves, and swim off the beach. Nicoyan centenarians tend to live with their families, and children or grandchildren provide support and a sense of purpose and belonging. A stay at Nantipa will help you have a true Blue Zone adventure, especially if you book its transcendental wellness experience. Predominantly catering to families, this 402-room property has four restaurants, including for surf and turf and Japanese, two pools, a nightclub, and a 200-seat amphitheater. Rooms have a mini fridge and theres a communal kitchen plus bikes to rent. These areas are: Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Ikaria, Greece. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. El propsito de la compaa es promover y crear conciencia sobre el consumo de productos de alta calidad, con valor nutricional y . [Try this 5-Minute Tasty Squash and Beans for a taste of Costa Rican homecooking.]. 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. Warm, Sunny Climate. In other words, Nicoyans receive a healthy dose of vitamins in their daily diet. Full of natural beauty, endless sunlight, white beaches and radiant ocean, Nicoya reigns as one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica. Poor communities are notorious for living in food deserts. 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. Buettner approached National Geograhic with his idea and they agreed to help fund his research. The expat community in Coco is generally older retirees, however, there are some younger expats running around. We know that the diet here is different than that of the rest of the country, and that the character of the people here is unique in the world. Lane reasons why Chicago should use the Blue Zones template to improve the lives of people who live there. It's also an area identified as a "Blue Zone . Technology permeates everyday life and Nicoya is the perfect place to go for a digital detox. The world has a number of Blue Zones, areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. 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." Nicoyan centenarians get frequent visits from neighbors. Those who want to enjoy the pura vida life for more than a week or two often end up here, given Santa Teresas gorgeous beaches, busy nightlife, and excellent wifi. 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. The Nicoya Peninsula, in Costa Rica, is one of them, . Costa Rica is known for its pura vida lifestyle and attitude. Nicoyans often live more than 100 years and Nicoya boasts of the highest number of centenarians in the world. The heart is a muscle, and all muscle contractions depend on calcium. This Blue Zone is in the mountains of the Nicoyan Peninsula in western Costa Rica. Where are the world's Blue Zones located? What we can incorporate about Nicoya into our culture is the sense of purpose Nicoyans enjoy. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. 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. First . 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. Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Learn more about typical diet with our Guide to Costa Rican Food. 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. Healthy and supportive relationships with friends and family are another one of their keys to longevity. Blue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longest. To understand some of the reasons why Blue-Zoners live healthier, longer lives, let's take another look at Ricardo's daily routine. Its very interesting, and I mean, who doesnt love a good TED Talk? We can start making healthier choices today, thus living more enriching lives and encouraging others to adopt similar healthy ways of living. People often consider the impact of global decisions on future generations through legislation. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. Thanks to the peninsulas reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. 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. The Nicoyan way of life can enlighten people to make choices that will help to increase their life expectancy. Its also easy to eat healthy in Costa Rica, with its abundance of local foods grown in its fertile volcanic soil. The climate in the Blue Zone is very mild, which may help to protect against diseases. What are Blue Zones? Living Hotel partners with the Spacio spa, a five-minute walk away, which has several treatments geared to surfers. 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. On today's podcast, Gina does some serious myth-busting about what has kept the centenarians so well, for so long. This provides the nutrition they need to work hard during the day. Dan discovered five places where residents have low rates of chronic disease and live longer than anywhere else. We have a full guide to the ferry here. 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. They feel needed, and their daily lives revolve around their family and community. There are five regions around the world called the Blue Zones: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece, and Loma Linda, California. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. He then had the idea to research areas in the world with the longest lifespan. January 18, 2022 . On the peninsulas southeast coast is Tambor, with Nicoyas most southerly airport. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Just note, you might have trouble finding a place to stay. By Ty and Charlene Bollinger. Perhaps youll also figure out your lifes purpose, which studies show contributes to a longer and higher quality life, and make the effort to reconnect with family whether youve brought them with you or will see them again once youre home. 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. Most people in this area never move. Not long after, he began to lead trips to the first Blue Zones that he had discovered. The Peninsula is covered by spectacular beaches that host nature's best. Nicoyans eat a light dinner early in the evening. We are always happy to help you out! 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. The forest here is more tropical than further north and is home to deer, pacas, monkeys, armadillos, laughing gulls, pelicans, frigates, and brown boobies. 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. Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). Throughout the world, the average life expectancy is 71 years of age (70 for males and 72 for females). 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 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. It consists of 100 recipes with ingredients used by those who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica and the other four Blue Zones.
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