He added that "we must somehow emulate, duplicate or copy the lifestyle of centenarians, and their way of living, but above all, their environment, diet, activity; above all, the connections they make, human connections, not technological ones. 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. 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). This goes along with the decision to widen the country's tourism offerings and venture into industries with high potential, such as wellness tourism. 11 talking about this. What are Blue Zones? "Year after year, our surveys indicate that its the Costa Ricans themselves that set our destination apart, and it's certainly always a marvelous experience to spend time with the older generation. - save 10% Plus other perks . Having a Blue Zone helps strengthen the country's constant striving for quality of life, both for Costa Ricans and for tourists. Nicoya, Costa Rica: A Puzzling Blue Zone Diet Light on Vegetables and High in Carbohydrate and Sugar. Costa Rica as a whole is a happy place. However, Costa Rica's blue zone is so much more. 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). Not only do they live longer, their metabolism is better, the levels of cognitive impairment are lower, and they function at a higher level. If youre eating a standard American diet, its probably shaving about six to 10 years off of your life expectancy, Buettner says. 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. The Peninsula is covered by spectacular beaches that host nature's best. 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. My fourth investigation into exactly what our Blue Zone folks eat has left this dietitian, well, intrigued. The Nicoyan way of life can enlighten people to make choices that will help to increase their life expectancy. Dubbed "blue zones," residents of these areas share a common environment and lifestyle that . 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. Hi, my name is Mike Gillespie & I'm fundraising to help support the Blue Zone communities in Nicoya Costa Rica. Nantipa means blue in the language of the Chorotega people, some of the first known people to live in the Nicoya region. 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. Offering barefoot luxury on Playa Langosta this family-owned boutique hotel is a 15-minute walk from downtown Tamarindo. Eco-tourism is a natural must in this out-of-this-world scenario, where everything that happens is in a quiet, lovely pace. In an article in the Chicagoan, Marc J. Read more below about the lessons that Nicoya, Costa Rica can teach you about longevity. I have been exploring the data reported by National Geographic and Dan Buettner in the Blue Zones Solution: . 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. Along with starting every morning with a healthy breakfast, Nicoyans also eat nutritious food throughout the day. Access to natural foods and organic fruits and vegetables (stables of the Nicoyans) is difficult to come by. 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. Your email address will not be published. It includes black beans, cooked plantains, fresh papaya, yams, squash, homemade corn tortillas, and fish (if near the coast). In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average lifespan is 85 among the world's highest. Research shows that 30% of longevity comes from genes, and the remaining 70% from lifestyle. Having worked with the pioneers in mind-body research and psychoneuroimmunology. Sardinia, Italy. The surroundings dictate ways of operating, not personal decisions. [Try this 5-Minute Tasty Squash and Beans for a taste of Costa Rican homecooking.]. We do not need to wait for our cities of residence to adopt the principles for healthier living outlined in the Blue Zones Project. 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. And a breakfast rich with antioxidants helps to protect a persons cells from disease. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. 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. He worked with several notable anthropolgists, dieticians, historians, and geneticists to identify and further understand what contributes to a long lifespan. The heart is a muscle, and all muscle contractions depend on calcium. Nicoya, Costa Rica. Also, we would love to hear your thoughts on Blue Zones and what constitutes a long lifestyle. Specifically, the rural landscapes of the Nicoya Peninsula, where people have some of the longest lifespans in the world. "The five cantons of the peninsula continue to appear with greater longevity and we've confirmed this everywhere we've investigated. Making the smart choice in traditional Blue Zones is often the only choice available, not really a choice at all. The most southerly point is Cabo Blanco Reserve and the south coast also has the town of Tambor. According to researchers, most inhabitants live to at least the age of 90.. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. Technology permeates everyday life and Nicoya is the perfect place to go for a digital detox. 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's also an area identified as a "Blue Zone . Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, 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. It was time for me to conquer the Nicoya Peninsula. Located on the Guanacaste Peninsula in northwestern Costa Rica, Nicoya is a rural, beachside, blue-zone community. Oftentimes, this helps maintain healthy and supportive relationships within their communities, and develop a strong sense of faith and purpose along the way. Learn more about typical diet with our Guide to Costa Rican Food. 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. 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. This treasure includes the atmosphere around you." We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These characteristics are: Despite this, it is believed that 30% of a long healthy life comes from genes and 70% is based on lifestyle. Another is a focus on family and a special ability to listen and laugh. 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. It is home to some of the most active, hard-working, and friendliest people on earth. Theyre focused on sick care, and so the actual healthcare is often neglected, says Chaves. 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 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. All rights reserved. I also suggest watching his TED Talk. The Nicoya Peninsula is in many ways isolated from the rest of Costa Rica due to geography. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. Nicoya. The world has 5 recognized Blue Zones (as determined by the authority of National Geographic ). 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." Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! If coming from San Jose, the easiest way to get to the Nicoya Peninsula is to take the ferry from Puntarenas. Many of us in Western countries know we need to eat less junk and add more natural food to our diets. 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. Are We Headed To A World In Which We Own Nothing? 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. Customer Experience Critical To Consumer Preference: IAAPA CEO Comments On Key Trends, When It Comes To Advertising, Multicultural Representation Is Not Enough. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. 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. Just note, you might have trouble finding a place to stay. That means family ties are the backbone for most peoples existence. These geographical areas are considered special, because most people live at least 90 and often over 100 years of age. Blue Zones Nicoya desarrolla alimentos, bebidas y suplementos inspirados en los centenarios de la. He has written numerous books on the topic, but I suggest starting with: Blue Zones of Happiness and The Blue Zones Kitchen (a cookbook). Face-to-Face Conversations. This is why the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT, Instituto Costarricense de Turismo) launched the Wellness Pura Vida country strategy, which seeks to position Costa Rica as a wellness destination with a difference, which offers unique, transforming experiences. Several of Nicoyas beaches like those in the Ostional National Wildlife Reserve are nesting grounds for Kemps Ridley, green, and leatherback turtles. If you want to really embrace the Nicoya Peninsula blue zone vibe, head to any small village in the area. 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. O segreto da Zona Azul de Nicoya. 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. All Rights Reserved. People who have diabetes, heart conditions, or are overweight tend to have a more difficult time if they are infected by COVID-19. They eat many fruits and vegetables often grown on their own lands, and they tend not to consume much meat. Moais are a powerful social tradition that create feelings of belonging, purpose and security. These centenarians help teach us the value of those important little things," said Mauricio Ventura, Minister of Tourism, with pride. 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. One Nicoyan, a centenarian, said he knew death would eventually come for him but it is the love for his children that motivates him to keep going every day. 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. In a few, unique communities around the globe, people live long and heathy lives, up to and past 100. One is the plan de vida, or reason to live, which propels a positive outlook among elders and helps keep them active. There are five areas of the world that meet the qualifications of Blue Zone as defined by Buettner. They feel needed and want to contribute to a greater good. 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. 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!) Some sea turtles have even lived to age 150. 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. While we may not increase the average life expectancy throughout the world we can use Nicoya as a template for healthier living. 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. 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. My Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Retreat. 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. 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. Is the Nicoya Peninsula good for a Wellness getaway? When that day comes, Nicoyas Blue Zone will continue to be an example of the resiliency of the human body and spirit. They have been able to exceed their life expectancy and serve as an example for the entire world. I will be visiting Costa Rica next week to meet with Jorge who founded a local organization that helps the small Blue Zone villages. A three-course farm-to-table dinner with a tour of the organic garden is available Mondays and Thursdays. 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. Costa Rica is known for its pura vida lifestyle and attitude. Results were also shared from the research carried out by the demographer Luis Rosero and Dr. Elizabeth Lopez, both from Costa Rica, who made significant contributions on the subject of healthy longevity. I feel lucky to have found this information, though the credit doesn't belong to me, but rather to the older residents. By comparison, a person in the United States can reasonably expect to live to just 77, according to federal census data. Long-living creatures like sea turtles are frequent visitors to the Blue Zone too. Nicoyan centenarians tend to live with their families, and children or grandchildren provide support and a sense of purpose and belonging. The centenarians of the Nicoya Peninsula have also captured the interest of the Institute of Social Studies in Population (Instituto de Estudios Sociales en Poblacin, IDESPO) of the National University (Universidad Nacional) of Costa Rica, which is carrying out a study on the subject this year. Dan discovered five places where residents have low rates of chronic disease and live longer than anywhere else. People often consider the impact of global decisions on future generations through legislation. That sense of purpose drives them in all aspects of their lives. The climate in the Blue Zone is very mild, which may help to protect against diseases. Old people often have too little calcium in their bodies. Get some sensible sun. Staples of the traditional Nicoya diet include homemade corn tortillas, black beans, white rice, a variety of squash, yams, papaya, bananas, and pejibayes. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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). This Central American nation isnt that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. 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. 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. Go to a soda, thats the name of a small, local caf, and look for casado this popular dish is rice and beans served with vegetables and either fish or meat. Now I was excited to roam off the beaten path into a world-famous Nicoya Peninsula blue zone. Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). Rhuigi Villaseor Kept His Foot On The Gas. "The sense of community, shared purpose and celebration and appreciation for life in all its forms allows for a way of thriving that can even be seen today to have a connection to vitality and mitochondrial health." I'm a Chief Metaverse Officer and a web3 luxury and fashion innovator. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Heres how to plan a trip to the Blue Zone in Costa Rica. 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. The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. These cantons are: Carillo, Hojancha, Nicoya, Santa Cruz, and Nandoyure. There are two trails for visitors and a pristine white sand beach. Win-win! Nantipas special wellness booking includes yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic and sound therapies, and sessions with wellness coaches and personal trainers. Also on offer are boat trips to the volcanic Tortuga Islands, where snorkelers might spot angelfish and porcupine fish, and theres a chance of seeing dolphins, manta and spotted eagle rays, and turtles on the way. The Nicoya Peninsula, in Costa Rica, is one of them, . They know how to listen, laugh, and appreciate what they have. 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. Lane cites the impact of COVID-19 on minorities like Blacks and Hispanics throughout Chicago. Surprisingly, happiness and keeping a focus on family are two of the main components. This is an excerpt fromBlue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longestby Dan Buettner, copyright 2008, all rights reserved. Where are the world's Blue Zones located? 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. On the peninsulas southeast coast is Tambor, with Nicoyas most southerly airport. 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. 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. In mid-November 2017, the first World Meeting of Blue Zones was held. 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. For those that don't know, there are a few communities around the globe where people live long and healthy lives, up to and past 100, dubbed "blue zones." Moderate alcohol intake, especially wine. Modern Nicoyans roots to the indigenous Chorotega and their traditions have enabled them to remain relatively free of stress. Look for howler and capuchin monkeys, parrots and parakeets, and bigger birds like herons and hawks. In the interior, the town of Nicoya is one of Costa Ricas oldest and also has one of the countrys oldest churches the Parroquia San Blas, first built in 1544. Nicoya, Costa Rica is one of those unique locations where lifestyle, diet, and low stress have dramatically bettered the lives of Ticos and expats alike. 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. O que so Zonas Azuis? Required fields are marked *, car rental deal! Longevity then would not be a luxury only reserved for a few living in Blue Zones, but a reality for billions.. You can drive to Tamarindo in about 80 minutes from the Liberia airport (its about four hours from Costa Ricas other main airport in the capital, San Jos). Warm, Sunny Climate. 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. The most amazing part about people who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica is that many of them live without medication or disability. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Nicoya, Costa Rica - And then there's Nicoya, where Ricardo and his family live, a notable exception to the rule that people in developing countries have shorter life spans than those in developed ones. Over the last several months, the world has mourned the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives. The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. Living Hotel partners with the Spacio spa, a five-minute walk away, which has several treatments geared to surfers. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. 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. Many Nicoyans choose to walk from one destination to another instead of driving. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the 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. LIKED THIS? The Nicoya Peninsula has five cantons where middle-age morality is lowest and centenarians are the most abundant. They find joy in everyday physical chores. 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 . Gone are the days of making your own food and growing organic produce. Meat, fish, and poultry only make up 5% of the usual diet. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. Community. The Nicoya Peninsula, a Blue Zone in Costa Rica, is renowned for its tranquil, laid-back ambiance. 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). 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. Costa Rica indeed does celebrate its elderly citizens; every person who has a 100 th birthday is . 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. Its difficult to maintain family bonds and friendships when school and work take us far from home, into strange communities. 1 - The Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. It remains to be seen if the COVID pandemic will affect that average. 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. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The Ikarians and the Ikaria is another one of the Blue Zones, and the Costa Ricans, Nicoya, they're taking a nap. Nicoya was introduced as a Blue Zone in a 2004 National Geographic article by Dan Buettner. This vigorous village is one of the Blue Zones' unique hotspots. Changing the American diet and culture around the food we eat can help save lives. Nicoya isn't full of marathon runners . By TCRN STAFF October 5, 2022 528 0 The Tortuga Islands are offshore and are a frequent destination for snorkeling trips, even from other parts of the peninsula. 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. These regions are considered Blue Zones. 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. What are Blue Zones? The Adobe Rent-A-Car discount includes.. DISCOUNTED SMARTPHONE USAGE WITH UNLIMITED DATA. A research team is currently researching the . 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). Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! Of course, there is still a desire for success (especially in the cities) but in general, the priorities are shifted. 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. Healthy and supportive relationships with friends and family are another one of their keys to longevity. All of our step by step Costa Rica planning tips in one spot.
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