Costa Rica as a whole is a happy place. They are eye-opening and heart-tugging. Blue zones are regions where some of the oldest and healthiest people live. 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 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. Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! Also, calcium is important for bones. There will be a lot to learn and a lot to do to get back to a healthier normal. I suggest visiting Cabuya (a small town between Montezuma and Santa Teresa) or San Francisco de Coyote (a remote beach town). A nine-hole golf course is a mile away. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. "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. mobile app. First . They typically do not consume a lot of meat. Changing the American diet and culture around the food we eat can help save lives. 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. This Central American nation isn't that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. The gateway to the Nicoya Peninsula is the beach town of Tamarindo on the west coast, which is very popular with international travelers. So, what's the secret behind our region's long life? Many Nicoyans choose to walk from one destination to another instead of driving. Dubbed "blue zones," residents of these areas share a common environment and lifestyle that . They eat many fruits and vegetables often grown on their own lands, and they tend not to consume much meat. Try spending quality times with your loved ones. You may opt-out by. It is home to some of the most active, hard-working, and friendliest people on earth. 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. These places are full of one-hundred-year-olds who have reached such like live wires, not in bed or in hospital. Ed #2798 Oficina #8 These centenarians help teach us the value of those important little things," said Mauricio Ventura, Minister of Tourism, with pride. 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. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! The most amazing part about people who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica is that many of them live without medication or disability. Try opting to walk places instead of driving. Its name is due to the tribe that reigned prior to the arrival of the Spanish in 1520, it is said to come from the Nahuatlas words Nica, Necoclau or Necocyanh, which means surrounded by water. 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. He then had the idea to research areas in the world with the longest lifespan. We hope you love the Blue Zone Costa Rica stays we recommend. Required fields are marked *, car rental deal! Because of this, they enjoy extremely low rates of heart disease. They first noticed that people in several villages on the Italian island of Sardinia were living well into their 90s and 100s and that they had few significant mental or physical health problems. 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. 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. 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). In the southern part of the peninsula, Santa Teresa is a popular surf area that sprawls for miles along the coast. The Nicoyan way of life can enlighten people to make choices that will help to increase their life expectancy. Lunch is the main meal in Costa Rica (its better for your digestion to eat a bigger breakfast and lunch and a lighter dinner). My Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Retreat. Staples of the traditional Nicoya diet include homemade corn tortillas, black beans, white rice, a variety of squash, yams, papaya, bananas, and pejibayes. According to researchers, most inhabitants live to at least the age of 90. And here are two great reports done that will give you a better understanding of the Nicoya people, area, and mindset. This is due to key decisions the country has taken through its history that have positively affected its performance in social progress, environment, society and overall peace indicators, explains Daniel Valverde, Essential Costa Rica country brand director. Along with starting every morning with a healthy breakfast, Nicoyans also eat nutritious food throughout the day. Nicoya is a small, rural beach community located on the Guanacaste peninsula on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. 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. Centenarians seem to have enjoyed physical work of all their lives. The forest here is more tropical than further north and is home to deer, pacas, monkeys, armadillos, laughing gulls, pelicans, frigates, and brown boobies. uma atrativa pergunta explica que os habitantes de Guanacaste e sim dvida contar com uma das cinco que existem no mundo um orgulho para todos os habitantes da provincia. 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. 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). Would you like to visit the Nicoya Peninsula? While walking gives Nicoyans a chance to exercise and get fresh air, it also gives them time to enjoy the natural beauty for which Nicoya is known. Nicoyan centenarians get frequent visits from neighbors. 4. This information has been translated into lessons that can be implemented into your everyday life. Their traditional diet of fortified maize and beans may be the best nutritional combination for longevity the world has ever known. It is a template outlining the lifestyles of people who live in places like Nicoya, Costa Rica. 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. 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. Technology permeates everyday life and Nicoya is the perfect place to go for a digital detox. 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. Longevity then would not be a luxury only reserved for a few living in Blue Zones, but a reality for billions.. 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. Or, get your zen on at La Senda, the wellness center on a 74-acre forested property near Tamarindo. 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. This Central American nation isnt that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. 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. The world has a number of Blue Zones, areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a host of problems, such as osteoporosis and heart disease, but regular, smart sun exposure (about 15 minutes on the legs and arms) can help supplement your diet and make sure youre getting enough of this vital nutrient. For most Americans, an entrance ramp for a new lifestyle change is through their mouth, Buettner says. Another is a focus on family and a special ability to listen and laugh. Nicoya. seen in blue zones. By Ty and Charlene Bollinger. Nicoya is located on the Guanacaste peninsula in Costa Rica, and is considered one of the 7 blue zones found worldwide. Dinner is typically a light meal, consumed early in the evening which allows plenty of time for digestion before bed. Wellness enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. The term first emerged in 2005 in a Nation Geographic magazine cover, "The Secrets of a Long Life.". 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. Your email address will not be published. It's also one of the happiest places in Central America: Costa Ricans report a high level of life satisfaction and the country has the highest literacy rate in Latin America. The 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. Tamarindo is also a great place for solo travelers. 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. American researcher, Dan Buettner, discovered that people in these areas shared several lifestyle characteristics: They don't smoke; They eat a plant-based diet Nearby are waterfalls at Montezuma, ziplining near the Cabo Blanco Reserve, and kite surfing. One thing I found especially interesting is the idea that this long life span is dying out. Get your fill of fresh fruits like pineapple, mango, papaya, banana, and passionfruit and vegetables and legumes like squash, cassava, plantain, yam, and beans. Its very interesting, and I mean, who doesnt love a good TED Talk? Now is the time for cities like Chicago to learn from the five Blue Zones throughout the world like Nicoya, Costa Rica. Over the last several months, the world has mourned the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives. 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. 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. Eating fewer calories appears to be one of the surest ways to add years to your life. 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. There are five regions around the world called the Blue Zones: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece, and Loma Linda, California. Who knows, maybe it will change your life! Here are some of the factors that make Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula a blue zone worth visiting. They feel needed, and their daily lives revolve around their family and community. Demographers have identified the area, located on Costa Rica's northern Pacific coast, as a Blue Zone or "longevity hot spot," typified by a higher-than-normal number of people living past the age of one hundred. Throughout the world, the average life expectancy is 71 years of age (70 for males and 72 for females). Alternatively, Blue. As of now, there are 5 blue zones: Icaria, Greece. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. 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. In the south between the Paquera ferry and the village of Tambor, youll have an excellent chance of seeing wildlife within the privately-owned Cur Wildlife Reserve. Lane reasons why Chicago should use the Blue Zones template to improve the lives of people who live there. The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. 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. Nicoyans attribute much of their longevity to social values of faith and family. 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. Having a Blue Zone helps strengthen the country's constant striving for quality of life, both for Costa Ricans and for tourists. They have groups of friend with whom they share healthy habits.". After living there for four years I have my own theories as to what makes people so happy, and in turn have a longer life span. 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. Barrio La California, 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. This is an excerpt fromBlue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longestby Dan Buettner, copyright 2008, all rights reserved. Try cutting out some meat and replacing it with fresh vegetables and fruit. O que so Zonas Azuis? It was a spontaneous decision to move here, but it was the best decision! This is a BETA experience. "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." 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. O segreto da Zona Azul de Nicoya. Check out all of our favorite travel companies. 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. Is the Nicoya Peninsula good for a Wellness getaway? They wake up. Blessed with sandy beaches and tropical forest, it's something of a backpackers' paradise. It is not unusual for many generations to live on one property or in very close proximity to each other. Many of us in Western countries know we need to eat less junk and add more natural food to our diets. They feel needed and want to contribute to a greater good. You can, thanks to the world's "blue zones." Cities throughout the world can use this template to encourage people to live healthier lives. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2008-2023 Law Dissertation Writing Services. There are two trails for visitors and a pristine white sand beach. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Your email address will not be published. Wildlife is abundant. First and foremost, the competition to get ahead isnt the same here as it is in some other western countries. 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. Currently, three emblematic examples of this Blue Zone include the centenarians Jos Bonifacio "Pachito" Villegas, from Pochote de Quebrada Honda, Nicoya, who rides a horse every day at age 100, Trinidad Espinoza, who recounts anecdotes from Costa Rica in the 1930s continuously while she feeds her chickens, and Dmaso Mendoza, age 102, who, on receiving a visitor, always talks about her years as a dancer and how she enjoys the company of the five generations of her family in Santa Ana de Beln, Carillo. One is the plan de vida, or reason to live, which propels a positive outlook among elders and helps keep them active. Its one of our favorite places in Costa Rica and most likely where we would move if we ever moved to the beach. Warm, Sunny Climate. This provides the nutrition they need to work hard during the day. 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. Customer Experience Critical To Consumer Preference: IAAPA CEO Comments On Key Trends, When It Comes To Advertising, Multicultural Representation Is Not Enough. Contents1 Is Costa Rica considered [] Barra Honda is on the peninsulas northeast about a half hours drive from the town of Nicoya. The Nicoya Peninsula has several on offer, including near Tamarindo, outside the Cabo Blanco Reserve near Playa Mal Pais, and above the Montezuma waterfall. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Meanwhile, last year the average individual from the United States ate 222.2 pounds of meat and poultry. 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. Compreende os 5 cantos da Pennsula de Nicoya: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz e Nicoya. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average life span is 85among the world's highest. Loma Linda, California. Maintaining close ties with family and friends helps reduce stress. The world has a number of 'Blue Zones', areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. English is widely spoken and the town has lots of tourist infrastructure with a wide variety of restaurant and accommodation choices. What are Blue Zones? 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. If you would like to be near things but get a bit more of a feel for traditional Nicoya life while also enjoying a bit of the touristy perks (surfing, fun restaurants etc.) Spirituality and religious involvement/ beliefs. By encouraging Nicoyans belief community and sense of purpose through work, family, or nature, cities could help their poorest thrive. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. Having worked with the pioneers in mind-body research and psychoneuroimmunology. Scarlet macaws are bred in Tambor and youll have a chance of seeing them, even on the beach. 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. 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. 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. Nicoya, Costa Rica. 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 Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. 1 - The Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. 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). Community. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. Meaning, family ties are strong. The climate in the Blue Zone is very mild, which may help to protect against diseases. 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. In the Nicoya Peninsula, the water is particularly rich in calcium and magnesium which studies show is good for cardiovascular health and preventing cancer. 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. I also suggest watching his TED Talk. 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. By comparison, a person in the United States can reasonably expect to live to just 77, according to federal census data. BOOK YOUR COSTA RICA RENTAL CAR AND SAVE 10%. When Dan Buettner introduced the concept of Blue Zones, he formed the Blue Zones Project. It was time for me to conquer the Nicoya Peninsula. 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 . Costa Rica indeed does celebrate its elderly citizens; every person who has a 100 th birthday is . 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. 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. Buettner had spent several years before penning the article leading expeditions including tracing Darwins route in the Galapagos and Marco Polos trip along the Silk Road. Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Buettner approached National Geograhic with his idea and they agreed to help fund his research. It remains to be seen if the COVID pandemic will affect that average. 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. 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. We are always happy to help you out! My fourth investigation into exactly what our Blue Zone folks eat has left this dietitian, well, intrigued. You can hike along trails, go horseback riding, kayak through the mangroves, and swim off the beach. ", For Belgian researcher Michel Poulain, one of the most important message of the World Meeting of Blue Zones is to tell the world that "Costa Rica has a treasure of longevity in the Nicoya Peninsula, that comes from the past generations, which has been built year by year. 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!) Are you interested in learning more about the Costa Rica Blue Zone and other zones of the world? We do not need to wait for our cities of residence to adopt the principles for healthier living outlined in the Blue Zones Project. I have been exploring the data reported by National Geographic and Dan Buettner in the Blue Zones Solution: . They embrace the relaxed Pura Vida lifestyle and family always comes first. About two hours down the coast from Tamarindo is Nosara, Nicoyas yoga center (the Nosara Yoga Institute here offers teacher training). 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 . 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. It is believed that one factor which may contribute to the high number of Nicoyan centenarians is the high calcium content in the water. It consists of 100 recipes with ingredients used by those who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica and the other four Blue Zones. Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! But we must also consider the impact of our individual health and lifestyle choices on future generations. 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. 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. It is also one of the world's Blue Zones. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. - save 10% Plus other perks . 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. Thanks to the peninsula's reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. 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. 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. These areas are: Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Ikaria, Greece. Nicoyan centenarians tend to live with their families, and children or grandchildren provide support and a sense of purpose and belonging. Stir in two chopped plum tomatoes, half of a finely chopped onion and one . We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. All of our step by step Costa Rica planning tips in one spot. Nicoya isn't full of marathon runners . Hi, my name is Mike Gillespie & I'm fundraising to help support the Blue Zone communities in Nicoya Costa Rica. Montezuma is great for long beach walks and jungle hikes. Blue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longest. 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.