According to Buettner's studies, the Nicoya Peninsula has the world's lowest rates of middle-age mortality and the second highest convergence of male centenarians. Not long after, he began to lead trips to the first Blue Zones that he had discovered. Barrio La California, I also suggest watching his TED Talk. Now I was excited to roam off the beaten path into a world-famous Nicoya Peninsula blue zone. There are several theories about why the Blue Zone of Costa Rica exists, but the most likely explanation is that it is due to a combination of factors. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Community. By encouraging Nicoyans belief community and sense of purpose through work, family, or nature, cities could help their poorest thrive. 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. These factors are present, to some degree, in the other four Blue Zones in the world, according to world experts who participated in the World Meeting in Nicoya in mid-November. According to researchers, most inhabitants live to at least the age of 90.. 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. 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). 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. 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. The Adventists are praying. Beyond this context, however, the health authorities are taking measures to help Costa Ricans reach over 80 years of age in good health. For the first time ever, the world's most prominent researchers shared their knowledge and most recent research on the topic of Blue Zones. 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. In other words, it lives longer than the average global life expectancy. 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. Nicoya, Costa Rica, is a Central American Caribbean nation that boasts economic security and excellent health care. Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). First . Your email address will not be published. The Ikarians and the Ikaria is another one of the Blue Zones, and the Costa Ricans, Nicoya, they're taking a nap. Guest Writer for Wake Up World. Protein helps to rebuild and repair tissue, as well as it helps a person to feel full. 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. Warm, Sunny Climate. In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average life span is 85among the world's highest. If youre eating a standard American diet, its probably shaving about six to 10 years off of your life expectancy, Buettner says. 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. Staples of the traditional Nicoya diet include homemade corn tortillas, black beans, white rice, a variety of squash, yams, papaya, bananas, and pejibayes. Buettner approached National Geograhic with his idea and they agreed to help fund his research. Nicoyans often live more than 100 years and Nicoya boasts of the highest number of centenarians in the world. 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. Its difficult to maintain family bonds and friendships when school and work take us far from home, into strange communities. Nicoyan centenarians have been the focus of many articles. Butterflies in Costa Rica The Best Places to See Them, Irazu Volcano Visit the Highest Volcano in Costa Rica, 20 Free Things to Do in Costa Rica That Youll Love, Costa Rica Rental Car Discount Save Up to 20%, The feeling of a sense of purpose in life. Nicoya has an abundance of accommodation options but these selections should help your Blue Zone focus whether its healthy food, yoga, spa, surfing, and hiking, connecting with family, or getting a sense of purpose by helping protect Nicoyas wildlife and their habitat. 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. You may opt-out by. Win-win! Technology permeates everyday life and Nicoya is the perfect place to go for a digital detox. 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. This Central American nation isnt that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. 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. El propsito de la compaa es promover y crear conciencia sobre el consumo de productos de alta calidad, con valor nutricional y . 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. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. 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. 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. Actually, it is home. I cant blame 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. Montezuma: Best Hotels in Costa Rica. 11 talking about this. We do not need to wait for our cities of residence to adopt the principles for healthier living outlined in the Blue Zones Project. 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. Look for howler and capuchin monkeys, parrots and parakeets, and bigger birds like herons and hawks. 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. They are joined by 42 other centenarians in the Nicoya Peninsula, located in the 5 blue cantons: Nicoya, Santa Cruz, Hojancha, Nandayure and Carrillo (according to data from Jorge Vindas, a field researcher for the Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Association). Would you like to visit the Nicoya Peninsula? One of the world's Blue Zones is in Nicoya, Costa Rica. Its one of our favorite places in Costa Rica and most likely where we would move if we ever moved to the beach. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Making the smart choice in traditional Blue Zones is often the only choice available, not really a choice at all. 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). Everywhere you go in Costa Rica, youll hear pura vida! and soon feel the freedom to adopt the pura vida lifestyle yourself. It is fascinating to see which factors play into long lifespan including how you can emulate this lifestyle. Its very interesting, and I mean, who doesnt love a good TED Talk? Blue Zones Nicoya desarrolla alimentos, bebidas y suplementos inspirados en los centenarios de la. LIKED THIS? 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. What we can incorporate about Nicoya into our culture is the sense of purpose Nicoyans enjoy. Another option is to take the 75-minute ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya from Puntarenas to Paquera. 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. WED LOVE IF YOUD ADD IT ON PINTEREST! We know we should include exercise into all parts of our lives (not just an hour at the gym). It definitely runs contrary to what was written up about the Nicoya people in "The Blue Zones." In that book, their diet was characterized as primarily vegetarian. 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. 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. 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. Directions: Toss the cabbage with the orange juice, season with salt and pepper and let sit 30 minutes. They have been able to exceed their life expectancy and serve as an example for the entire world. obesity, or heart disease. This is an excerpt fromBlue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longestby Dan Buettner, copyright 2008, all rights reserved. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. Nicoya, Costa Rica A Latin American Blue Zone. 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. Of course, there is still a desire for success (especially in the cities) but in general, the priorities are shifted. 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. The world has a number of Blue Zones, areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. 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. All rights reserved. Thomas Ramsauer / Shutterstock. They also practice good physical and mental health. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. They embrace the relaxed Pura Vida lifestyle and family always comes first. We're going to focus on the last one, mostly because it hits close to home. The term first emerged in 2005 in a Nation Geographic magazine cover, "The Secrets of a Long Life.". Eating fewer calories appears to be one of the surest ways to add years to your life. 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. Nicoya isn't full of marathon runners . It is the reason why the founder of Omega Institute set up Blue Spirit in Nosara and a Longevity center. In these areas people have low rates of chronic diseases, so they tend to live longer than in other places. These characteristics are: Despite this, it is believed that 30% of a long healthy life comes from genes and 70% is based on lifestyle. There are two trails for visitors and a pristine white sand beach. Research shows that 30% of longevity comes from genes, and the remaining 70% from lifestyle. We must make the health of future generations our responsibility by implementing the lifestyles of the Blue Zones people now. Now is the time for cities like Chicago to learn from the five Blue Zones throughout the world like Nicoya, Costa Rica. It requires descending 17 yards down a ladder to see cave formations that resemble fried eggs, popcorn, roses, and shark teeth. All Rights Reserved. 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. These Blue Zones have a direct link to the promotion of tourism in the country, since it fits in well wellness tourism. However, Costa Rica's blue zone is so much more. The forest here is more tropical than further north and is home to deer, pacas, monkeys, armadillos, laughing gulls, pelicans, frigates, and brown boobies. 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. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. Most residents here live to be over the age of 90 and there's a high number of centenarians as well. Add the red onions, sliced radishes, tomatoes, orange supremes, cilantro and 3 tablespoons oil to the cabbage. A nine-hole golf course is a mile away. So, having extra-hard water may help keep Nicoyans' hearts strong, and longer. Wellness enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! The town of Nicoya is considered the oldest in Costa Rica, it is popularly known as "the colonial city". Or, get your zen on at La Senda, the wellness center on a 74-acre forested property near Tamarindo. The five known Blue Zones identified in Buettner's book include:. Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica: Researchers found that the probability of becoming a centenarian for a 60-year-old man residing in Nicoya is 4.8%, which was even more than double that of Okinawa, the second highest in the comparison, and it was almost seven times that of Sardinia and Japan (6). 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. However, both towns have a more touristy vibe to them. 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. They feel needed, and their daily lives revolve around their family and community. Costa Rica Tourism Board, Institutional Site, Costa Rica Convention Center, Promotional Site, Costa Rica Tourism Board | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map. 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. The proper mindset about longevity is not about aspiring to live to a very old age, but to enjoy the best quality of life possible during the last ten years we live, says Alvaro Cedeno-Molinari, a former Costa Rican diplomat and ambassador who works intensely promoting bioliteracy, regeneration, and well-being as holistic healthy mindsets. The most popular towns to visit here are Montezuma and Santa Teresa. These centenarians help teach us the value of those important little things," said Mauricio Ventura, Minister of Tourism, with pride. Specifically, the rural landscapes of the Nicoya Peninsula, where people have some of the longest lifespans in the world. The traditional diet in the area is also notable. 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. The gateway to the Nicoya Peninsula is the beach town of Tamarindo on the west coast, which is very popular with international travelers. March 2nd, 2023. Required fields are marked *, car rental deal! That is when brands, businesses and cities will be able to look at Blue Zones like the one in Nicoya and find a model to follow. Montezuma is located on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula making it an ideal place to stay when exploring this unique part of Costa Rica. Rhuigi Villaseor Kept His Foot On The Gas. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. Most people in this area never move. Try opting to walk places instead of driving. It helps them remain positive. 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. Nicoyan centenarians tend to live with their families, and children or grandchildren provide support and a sense of purpose and belonging. 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 Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone, in addition to aligning with our Wellness Pura Vida strategy, are important as a driver of wellness tourism throughout the country, highlighting the importance of creating authentic travel experiences. 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. Blue zones are regions where some of the oldest and healthiest people live. Blessed with sandy beaches and tropical forest, it's something of a backpackers' paradise. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Pura vida means pure or simple life and Costa Ricas Nicoya Peninsula has what you could call extreme pura vida. Cities throughout the world can use this template to encourage people to live healthier lives. These geographical areas are considered special, because most people live at least 90 and often over 100 years of age. Costa Rica holds one of the original 5 blue zones of the world and you will find yourself in one of them if you decide on living in the Nicoya Peninsula. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Having worked with the pioneers in mind-body research and psychoneuroimmunology. 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. Hi! Blue Zones, those special places on earth where people live longer and healthier lives, first came to prominence in the ground-breaking book by Dan Buettner, Blue Zones. Getting up in the air on tree canopy tours via ziplines and rope bridges is popular throughout Costa Rica. Throughout the world, the average life expectancy is 71 years of age (70 for males and 72 for females). The Nicoyan way of life can enlighten people to make choices that will help to increase their life expectancy. Despite that, the area has many of the same ideals that the rest of Costa Ricans have. The expat community in Coco is generally older retirees, however, there are some younger expats running around. 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. These include Nicoya, Costa Rica; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece . 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). 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). 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. 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 . So why is it that the people of Nicoya outlive so many others? They know how to listen, laugh, and appreciate what they have. Speaking of work, finding work/life balance is a constant challenge for many. What are Blue Zones? - save 10% Plus other perks . "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. 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. 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. Nicoya is located on the Guanacaste peninsula in Costa Rica, and is considered one of the 7 blue zones found worldwide. I'm a Chief Metaverse Officer and a web3 luxury and fashion innovator. 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. The Nicoya Peninsula, in Costa Rica, is one of them, . 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. Old people often have too little calcium in their bodies. Costa Rica indeed does celebrate its elderly citizens; every person who has a 100 th birthday is . Eco-tourism is a natural must in this out-of-this-world scenario, where everything that happens is in a quiet, lovely pace. 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. 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. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. Enjoying good health conditions shouldn't depend on economic or technological factors, but rather on protective factors that are evident and proven in the region. Theyre focused on sick care, and so the actual healthcare is often neglected, says Chaves. Ministry of Health data indicate that life expectancy is nearly 80 years, which is the highest in Central America, according to the World Bank. Changing the American diet and culture around the food we eat can help save lives. Here are some of the factors that make Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula a blue zone worth visiting. Buettner's studies on the Nicoya Peninsula revealed eight key factors that affect people's life expectancy.
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