This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. Most people in this area never move. 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. 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, Costa Rica A Latin American Blue Zone. They feel needed, and their daily lives revolve around their family and community. 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. It helps them remain positive. And a breakfast rich with antioxidants helps to protect a persons cells from disease. Lane cites the impact of COVID-19 on minorities like Blacks and Hispanics throughout Chicago. The Adobe Rent-A-Car discount includes.. DISCOUNTED SMARTPHONE USAGE WITH UNLIMITED DATA. 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. The most popular towns to visit here are Montezuma and Santa Teresa. These Blue Zones have a direct link to the promotion of tourism in the country, since it fits in well wellness tourism. Rhuigi Villaseor Kept His Foot On The Gas. Of course, there is still a desire for success (especially in the cities) but in general, the priorities are shifted. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. Community. Successful centenarians have a strong sense of purpose. You may opt-out by. This goes along with the decision to widen the country's tourism offerings and venture into industries with high potential, such as wellness tourism. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. - save 10% Plus other perks . 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. 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. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. These regions are considered Blue Zones. 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. In other words, it lives longer than the average global life expectancy. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. It was a spontaneous decision to move here, but it was the best decision! 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. The most southerly point is Cabo Blanco Reserve and the south coast also has the town of Tambor. Staples of the traditional Nicoya diet include homemade corn tortillas, black beans, white rice, a variety of squash, yams, papaya, bananas, and pejibayes. Or, get your zen on at La Senda, the wellness center on a 74-acre forested property near Tamarindo. 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 chance to do yoga in an open-air pavilion on the beach is not to be missed! When that day comes, Nicoyas Blue Zone will continue to be an example of the resiliency of the human body and spirit. This vigorous village is one of the Blue Zones' unique hotspots. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 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. Nicoya, Costa Rica: A Puzzling Blue Zone Diet Light on Vegetables and High in Carbohydrate and Sugar. Nicoyans eat a light dinner early in the evening. The Peninsula is covered by spectacular beaches that host nature's best. The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. It is not unusual for several generations to gather on a regular basis for lively gatherings. Customer Experience Critical To Consumer Preference: IAAPA CEO Comments On Key Trends, When It Comes To Advertising, Multicultural Representation Is Not Enough. These include Nicoya, Costa Rica; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece . It remains to be seen if the COVID pandemic will affect that average. Possessing the highest density of biodiversity of any country in the world, it is also labeled as one of the 5 "blue zones", a term coined by National Geographic author Dan Buettner, describing places where a high percentage of the population lives active . 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). 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. Lane reasons why Chicago should use the Blue Zones template to improve the lives of people who live there. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. Learn more about typical diet with our Guide to Costa Rican Food. In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average life span is 85among the world's highest. Do you ever wish you could know the secrets to a long and happy life? Ed #2798 Oficina #8 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. Also, the environment just exudes joy. The heart is a muscle, and all muscle contractions depend on calcium. Your email address will not be published. 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). A three-course farm-to-table dinner with a tour of the organic garden is available Mondays and Thursdays. 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. 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. Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). It's a question that inhabitants of Guanacaste are happy to be asking themselves, since it's a true pride for the province's population to be home to one of the five such zones that exist worldwide. The most amazing part about people who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica is that many of them live without medication or disability. 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. It is fascinating to see which factors play into long lifespan including how you can emulate this lifestyle. 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. 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. 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. They know how to listen, laugh, and appreciate what they have. 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. They typically do not consume a lot of meat. 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. He finished, stating emphatically "please keep it and put the new generation on the same line in the treasure of this Blue Zone.". Nicoyan centenarians tend to live with their families, and children or grandchildren provide support and a sense of purpose and belonging. January 18, 2022 . When you book through our trusted partners we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can replicate some of the long-life characteristics of the Nicoya Peninsula on a trip to Costa Ricas Blue Zone and then turn them into healthy habits when you return home. These places are full of one-hundred-year-olds who have reached such like live wires, not in bed or in hospital. For most Americans, an entrance ramp for a new lifestyle change is through their mouth, Buettner says. Your best bet might be finding a VRBO instead of a hotel. Warm, Sunny Climate. Physical activity, diet, good mineral-rich water, friends, a satisfying job, eating light in the evening, and a "plan de vida" are the other aspects. There are five regions around the world called the Blue Zones: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece, and Loma Linda, California. The five blue zones are: Loma Linda, California; Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, To my delight, Costa Rica has its own Blue Zone - the Nicoya Peninsula! 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. Hi! Try our meal idea that reflects elements of the Nicoyan Peninsula Blue Zoners' diet. They eat many fruits and vegetables often grown on their own lands, and they tend not to consume much meat. So, Nicoya is another blue zone in the world alongside Okinawa (Japan), Cerdea (Italia), Icaria (Greece) and Loma Linda (California). 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. I feel lucky to have found this information, though the credit doesn't belong to me, but rather to the older residents. 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). Offering barefoot luxury on Playa Langosta this family-owned boutique hotel is a 15-minute walk from downtown Tamarindo. 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 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. Inadequate calcium means weak muscles -- including the heart. Win-win! Maintaining close ties with family and friends helps reduce stress. 4. One is the plan de vida, or reason to live, which propels a positive outlook among elders and helps keep them active. Guest Writer for Wake Up World. So, what's the secret behind our region's long life? And here are two great reports done that will give you a better understanding of the Nicoya people, area, and mindset. 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. 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. 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. Their traditional diet of fortified maize and beans may be the best nutritional combination for longevity the world has ever known. Nicoyan water has the countrys highest calcium content, perhaps explaining the lower rates of heart disease, as well as stronger bones and fewer hip fractures. They have groups of friend with whom they share healthy habits.". And now, it's a well-known fact: Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula, dubbed as a "high-longevity island," is one of the world's rare blue zones - one of only five original regions, joined by Icaria (Greece), Okinawa (Japan), Lima Linda (California, USA), and Sardinia (Italy). They are eye-opening and heart-tugging. Get some sensible sun. Meanwhile, last year the average individual from the United States ate 222.2 pounds of meat and poultry. Nicoyan centenarians have been the focus of many articles. They find joy in everyday physical chores. We are always happy to help you out! Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. If youre eating a standard American diet, its probably shaving about six to 10 years off of your life expectancy, Buettner says. Also, we would love to hear your thoughts on Blue Zones and what constitutes a long lifestyle. Wellness enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. 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. In an article in the Chicagoan, Marc J. 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. 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. There are two trails for visitors and a pristine white sand beach. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. This calcium leads to stronger bones and the ability to stay physically active at a later age. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Conzcanos. Specifically, the rural landscapes of the Nicoya Peninsula, where people have some of the longest lifespans in the world. 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. Check out all of our favorite travel companies. Having a Blue Zone helps strengthen the country's constant striving for quality of life, both for Costa Ricans and for tourists. He cautions though that one of the reasons Nicoyas centenarians live so long is that they dont have high incomes, which means theyve had to do physical labor since they were young, their meals are light and mainly of vegetables and legumes, and they cant afford a lot of protein or processed foods. 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 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 Ikarians and the Ikaria is another one of the Blue Zones, and the Costa Ricans, Nicoya, they're taking a nap. A blue zone is a geographical area in which the population is the longest-lived. The climate in the Blue Zone is very mild, which may help to protect against diseases. 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. In mid-November 2017, the first World Meeting of Blue Zones was held. Feel free to leave them in the comment section below. 1 - The Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. 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. Thanks to the peninsulas reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. People who have diabetes, heart conditions, or are overweight tend to have a more difficult time if they are infected by COVID-19. Longevity then would not be a luxury only reserved for a few living in Blue Zones, but a reality for billions.. These characteristics are: Despite this, it is believed that 30% of a long healthy life comes from genes and 70% is based on lifestyle. Many of us in Western countries know we need to eat less junk and add more natural food to our diets. Located on the Guanacaste Peninsula in northwestern Costa Rica, Nicoya is a rural, beachside, blue-zone community. About two hours down the coast from Tamarindo is Nosara, Nicoyas yoga center (the Nosara Yoga Institute here offers teacher training). Old people often have too little calcium in their bodies. He worked with several notable anthropolgists, dieticians, historians, and geneticists to identify and further understand what contributes to a long lifespan. Now I was excited to roam off the beaten path into a world-famous Nicoya Peninsula blue zone. So, having extra-hard water may help keep Nicoyans' hearts strong, and longer. 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). 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. I suggest visiting Cabuya (a small town between Montezuma and Santa Teresa) or San Francisco de Coyote (a remote beach town). 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. 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. The Adventists are praying. Costa Rica Experts 2023. The peninsula is one of the worlds five Blue Zones where many people live exceptionally long and healthy lives. However, both towns have a more touristy vibe to them. In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average lifespan is 85 among the world's highest. Brand Storytelling At Sundance: Championing Excellence And Filmmakers With Purpose, Profitable ECommerce Growth For CPGs Is In Reach. Moderate alcohol intake, especially wine. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! Nicoya, Costa Rica. Sign up for theBLUE ZONES free weekly email where webring youexclusive interviews, cutting edge longevity news, and fresh tips for living longer, better. I'm a Chief Metaverse Officer and a web3 luxury and fashion innovator. It is not unusual for many generations to live on one property or in very close proximity to each other. Costa Rica indeed does celebrate its elderly citizens; every person who has a 100 th birthday is . Nicoyans attribute much of their longevity to social values of faith and family. English is widely spoken and the town has lots of tourist infrastructure with a wide variety of restaurant and accommodation choices. A hike from the town of Montezuma will bring you past several cooling-off pools on your way to the three cascades of this waterfall, perhaps the most visited one on the peninsula. Cities throughout the world can use this template to encourage people to live healthier lives. Tamarindo is the most popular destination for international visitors with its golden beaches, many with consistent and gentle surfing waves, and nearby national parks and wildlife refuges. 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. There will be a lot to learn and a lot to do to get back to a healthier normal. The world has a number of Blue Zones, areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. They embrace the relaxed Pura Vida lifestyle and family always comes first. If you want to really embrace the Nicoya Peninsula blue zone vibe, head to any small village in the area. 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. We do not need to wait for our cities of residence to adopt the principles for healthier living outlined in the Blue Zones Project. What are Blue Zones? Its one of our favorite places in Costa Rica and most likely where we would move if we ever moved to the beach. For more information read our privacy policy. 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. 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). For those who might need some meal ideas, Dan Buettner, wrote the Blue Zones Kitchen cookbook. 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. 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. We have a full guide to the ferry here. Why Nicoya is Considered One of the Anti-Aging Zones in the World Few really know what aging is and how it can be controlled, here experts from Costa Rica and around the world talk about it and define the Nicoya Peninsula as one of those with the most long-lived people.