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Because of this, they enjoy extremely low rates of heart disease. The Blue Zone of the Nicoya Peninsula stands out for the beauty of its landscapes, its tourist attractions, and its conservation areas, but above all, for the stories told by the long-lived inhabitants of the region, who have exceeded the life expectancy in Costa Rica and continue to be lucid and active, and who enjoy long, healthy lives. Dan Buettner is really the man behind Blue Zones, so I suggest you start your interest with him. Going down the west coast from Tamarindo youll find several beach towns, most notably yoga center Nosara and surfers paradise Santa Teresa. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. A "Blue Zone" is an area of the world where it is typical for people to live past 100 years old. Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! Not only do they live longer, their metabolism is better, the levels of cognitive impairment are lower, and they function at a higher level. The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. He finished, stating emphatically "please keep it and put the new generation on the same line in the treasure of this Blue Zone.". You can hike along trails, go horseback riding, kayak through the mangroves, and swim off the beach. Wildlife is abundant. 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. It is not unusual for several generations to gather on a regular basis for lively gatherings. Also, the environment just exudes joy. In other words, Nicoyans receive a healthy dose of vitamins in their daily diet. Moderate alcohol intake, especially wine. It includes black beans, cooked plantains, fresh papaya, yams, squash, homemade corn tortillas, and fish (if near the coast). El propsito de la compaa es promover y crear conciencia sobre el consumo de productos de alta calidad, con valor nutricional y . Or, get your zen on at La Senda, the wellness center on a 74-acre forested property near Tamarindo. On the peninsulas southeast coast is Tambor, with Nicoyas most southerly airport. Staples of the traditional Nicoya diet include homemade corn tortillas, black beans, white rice, a variety of squash, yams, papaya, bananas, and pejibayes. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. If we can harness that, we can hopefully improve the health of future generations. They typically do not consume a lot of meat. There are other blue zones in California, Italy, Greece, and Japan. And a breakfast rich with antioxidants helps to protect a persons cells from disease. 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. It is also one of the world's Blue Zones. You may opt-out by. Try cutting out some meat and replacing it with fresh vegetables and fruit. The world has a number of Blue Zones, areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. 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. 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. There are five areas of the world that meet the qualifications of Blue Zone as defined by Buettner. Wellness enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. Theyre focused on sick care, and so the actual healthcare is often neglected, says Chaves. Nicoya was introduced as a Blue Zone in a 2004 National Geographic article by Dan Buettner. I'm a Chief Metaverse Officer and a web3 luxury and fashion innovator. Hi, my name is Mike Gillespie & I'm fundraising to help support the Blue Zone communities in Nicoya Costa Rica. This is a BETA experience. 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. 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. March 2nd, 2023. 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. Maintaining close ties with family and friends helps reduce stress. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. 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. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. By Ty and Charlene Bollinger. Are We Headed To A World In Which We Own Nothing? Costa Rica Tourism Board, Institutional Site, Costa Rica Convention Center, Promotional Site, Costa Rica Tourism Board | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map. Win-win! Everywhere you go in Costa Rica, youll hear pura vida! and soon feel the freedom to adopt the pura vida lifestyle yourself. The climate in the Blue Zone is very mild, which may help to protect against diseases. Feel free to leave them in the comment section below. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. Nicoya, Costa Rica, is a Central American Caribbean nation that boasts economic security and excellent health care. 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. 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. 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. They have groups of friend with whom they share healthy habits.". 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. 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. 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. 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). Lane cites the impact of COVID-19 on minorities like Blacks and Hispanics throughout Chicago. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 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. 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. Arising from this need, one of the results of the meeting was the establishment of an International Network on Healthy Aging, which will be led from Costa Rica in order to "build knowledge collaboratively", said Montero. 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. What we can incorporate about Nicoya into our culture is the sense of purpose Nicoyans enjoy. Required fields are marked *, car rental deal! What are Blue Zones? But we must also consider the impact of our individual health and lifestyle choices on future generations. This calcium leads to stronger bones and the ability to stay physically active at a later age. It was time for me to conquer the Nicoya Peninsula. The forest here is more tropical than further north and is home to deer, pacas, monkeys, armadillos, laughing gulls, pelicans, frigates, and brown boobies. Try opting to walk places instead of driving. Rice and black beans, gallo pinto, served with eggs and tropical fruit. mobile app. 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. 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. 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. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. 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. 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. Nicoya, Costa Rica. He worked with several notable anthropolgists, dieticians, historians, and geneticists to identify and further understand what contributes to a long lifespan. "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. 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. Try spending quality times with your loved ones. 4. Longevity then would not be a luxury only reserved for a few living in Blue Zones, but a reality for billions.. The people of Nicoya value their families a lot, and you can often see them joking with their neighbors, working hard for long hours, and enjoying the sunshine. 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. 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. 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. While we may not increase the average life expectancy throughout the world we can use Nicoya as a template for healthier living. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. First and foremost, the competition to get ahead isnt the same here as it is in some other western countries. There are 5 Blue Zones around the world, one of which is located on the Nicoya Peninsula; the others on the list are Sardinia in Italy, Okinawa in Japan, Loma Linda in the United States, and Icaria, in Greece. One thing I found especially interesting is the idea that this long life span is dying out. 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. However, both towns have a more touristy vibe to them. 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. It's also an area identified as a "Blue Zone . However, Costa Rica's blue zone is so much more. "This meeting commits us to preserve this Blue Zone, but most importantly, it should have a multiplier effect and serve as an example for the other cantons of the country" said Ana Monge, Commissioner of the Presidential Social Council of the Government of Costa Rica. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Some sea turtles have even lived to age 150. The most popular towns to visit here are Montezuma and Santa Teresa. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. These places are full of one-hundred-year-olds who have reached such like live wires, not in bed or in hospital. 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!) It would be hard to imagine two more different places than free-wheeling Costa Rica and legally rigid Singapore, yet both are among the happiest places on earth. 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. Centenarians seem to have enjoyed physical work of all their lives. January 18, 2022 . On today's podcast, Gina does some serious myth-busting about what has kept the centenarians so well, for so long. The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. Do you have any questions about the Costa Rica Blue Zone? Costa Rica Experts 2023. He has written numerous books on the topic, but I suggest starting with: Blue Zones of Happiness and The Blue Zones Kitchen (a cookbook). The reason why they are called "blue zones" is a curious story This information has been translated into lessons that can be implemented into your everyday life. At the southern tip of the peninsula is Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. 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 feel needed and want to contribute to a greater good. 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 . Nicoya isn't full of marathon runners . Access to natural foods and organic fruits and vegetables (stables of the Nicoyans) is difficult to come by. The heart is a muscle, and all muscle contractions depend on calcium. 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." 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. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. Your email address will not be published. The beautiful view of the beaches may also have a hand in this. Who knows, maybe it will change your life! 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. These cookies do not store any personal information. For one, Costa Rica is a small country and most people never move away from the area they were born in. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Guest Writer for Wake Up World. Guevara lives in the Nicoya peninsula of Costa Rica. Just note, you might have trouble finding a place to stay. In these areas people have low rates of chronic diseases, so they tend to live longer than in other places. And here are two great reports done that will give you a better understanding of the Nicoya people, area, and mindset. They know how to listen, laugh, and appreciate what they have. I suggest visiting Cabuya (a small town between Montezuma and Santa Teresa) or San Francisco de Coyote (a remote beach town). Get your fill of fresh fruits like pineapple, mango, papaya, banana, and passionfruit and vegetables and legumes like squash, cassava, plantain, yam, and beans. While the Blue Zones project Lane discusses isnt a cure for COVID-19, the principals lived by the people in those zones could increase the chance of livelihood for people of other cultures. 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. 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). Long-living creatures like sea turtles are frequent visitors to the Blue Zone too. The Nicoya Peninsula is on Costa Ricas north Pacific coast. When that day comes, Nicoyas Blue Zone will continue to be an example of the resiliency of the human body and spirit. The world has a number of 'Blue Zones', areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. 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. seen in blue zones. Would you like to visit the Nicoya Peninsula? Its very interesting, and I mean, who doesnt love a good TED Talk? Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! Nicoya is a small, rural beach community located on the Guanacaste peninsula on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. Moais are a powerful social tradition that create feelings of belonging, purpose and security. Many Nicoyans choose to walk from one destination to another instead of driving. We must make the health of future generations our responsibility by implementing the lifestyles of the Blue Zones people now. They are places where people get around by walking more than by car, they eat more plants than meat, and a diet that includes beans or grains such as corn, where the family is their number one purpose. They are eye-opening and heart-tugging. Nicoya, Costa Rica A Latin American Blue Zone. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. Lunch is the main meal in Costa Rica (its better for your digestion to eat a bigger breakfast and lunch and a lighter dinner). 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. These centenarians help teach us the value of those important little things," said Mauricio Ventura, Minister of Tourism, with pride. They find joy in everyday physical chores. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. The five known Blue Zones identified in Buettner's book include:. Inadequate calcium means weak muscles -- including the heart. 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). The world has 5 recognized Blue Zones (as determined by the authority of National Geographic ). When you book through our trusted partners we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Also, we would love to hear your thoughts on Blue Zones and what constitutes a long lifestyle. He then went on release a book The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who Have Lived the Longest in 2008. Whether this pandemic impacts the average lifespan of people around the world or not, a lot can be gained by studying five specific regions in the world where people seemingly effortlessly live to over 90 years in age. Costa Rica Experts Wins 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers Choice Award, Where to Find Black Sand Beaches in Costa Rica, Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: What to Expect Month by Month, 11 Travel Mistakes To Avoid Before Your Trip, 8 Costa Rica Natural Mysteries You Have to See to Believe, 5 Common Misconceptions About Travel in Costa Rica, 10 Top Costa Rica Honeymoon Bungalows & Suites, 3 Costa Rica Hotels Made The Travel & Leisure Top 100 in the World List, Costa Rica Expert Interview with Aaron Daker: top destinations, new hotels, & best months to travel. Rooms have a mini fridge and theres a communal kitchen plus bikes to rent. We can no longer afford to allow the COVID pandemic to cause us to live in or out of a place of fear. Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! 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. 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. 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. 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. Montezuma is great for long beach walks and jungle hikes. So, what's the secret behind our region's long life? Oftentimes, this helps maintain healthy and supportive relationships within their communities, and develop a strong sense of faith and purpose along the way.