According to researchers, most inhabitants live to at least the age of 90.. They embrace the relaxed Pura Vida lifestyle and family always comes first. You can, thanks to the world's "blue zones." Dubbed "blue zones," residents of these areas share a common environment and lifestyle that . There are five regions around the world called the Blue Zones: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece, and Loma Linda, California. Fish is a lean protein and provides oils which help with overall brain function. Nicoya is famous for being a marvelous playground for surfers all over the world. This goes along with the decision to widen the country's tourism offerings and venture into industries with high potential, such as wellness tourism. 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. Costa Ricans called Ticos say pura vida instead of hello, how are you, fine, thanks, and see you later and youll quickly find yourself saying it too. The chance to do yoga in an open-air pavilion on the beach is not to be missed! 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). 3 International Psychedelic Retreats Poised To Take Wellness Travel Into the Future, The Most Romantic Couples Massages in Las Vegas, The 20 Happiest Countries in the World, 2022, What Its Like To Stay at Hilton Head Health, One of Americas Most Renowned Wellness Resorts, 5 Types of Meditation That Will Relieve Your Travel Stress, long-life characteristics of the Nicoya Peninsula, How To Move To Costa Rica and Live There on the Cheap, These Stunning Cabins Are the Ultimate Zion National Park Basecamps, 8 of the Coolest Airbnbs Near Disney World, Orlando, 8 La Condesa Airbnbs To Settle Into Mexico Citys Coolest Neighborhood, The 11 Absolute Best Beaches in Costa Rica, This Luxury Hotel Has Transformed a Plane Into a Suite in the Costa Rican Jungle, A Guide To Feeling Your Best as a Plus-Size SpaGuest, The Best Airbnbs in Venice, From a Rialto Flat To a San Marco Studio, Download the It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. Longevity then would not be a luxury only reserved for a few living in Blue Zones, but a reality for billions.. Also, calcium is important for bones. Eating fewer calories appears to be one of the surest ways to add years to your life. Where are the world's Blue Zones located? Some sea turtles have even lived to age 150. In other words, it lives longer than the average global life expectancy. 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. Blue zones are regions where some of the oldest and healthiest people live. 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. 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. Contents1 Is Costa Rica considered [] This Blue Zone is in the mountains of the Nicoyan Peninsula in western Costa Rica. This is a BETA experience. 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. It helps them remain positive. 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. Spirituality and religious involvement/ beliefs. The world has 5 recognized Blue Zones (as determined by the authority of National Geographic ). Throughout the world, the average life expectancy is 71 years of age (70 for males and 72 for females). 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. Rhuigi Villaseor Kept His Foot On The Gas. When that day comes, Nicoyas Blue Zone will continue to be an example of the resiliency of the human body and spirit. Offering barefoot luxury on Playa Langosta this family-owned boutique hotel is a 15-minute walk from downtown Tamarindo. 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. Pura vida means pure or simple life and Costa Ricas Nicoya Peninsula has what you could call extreme pura vida. Ministry of Health data indicate that life expectancy is nearly 80 years, which is the highest in Central America, according to the World Bank. So, what's the secret behind our region's long life? A research team is currently researching the . There will be a lot to learn and a lot to do to get back to a healthier normal. Santa Teresa is great for surfing and enjoying a small but vibrant town with a backpacker vibe. For the first time ever, the world's most prominent researchers shared their knowledge and most recent research on the topic of Blue Zones. Nicoya, Costa Rica: A Puzzling Blue Zone Diet Light on Vegetables and High in Carbohydrate and Sugar. It consists of 100 recipes with ingredients used by those who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica and the other four Blue Zones. All of our step by step Costa Rica planning tips in one spot. Also, the environment just exudes joy. The peninsula is one of the worlds five Blue Zones where many people live exceptionally long and healthy lives. Your email address will not be published. Nicoya, Costa Rica, is a Central American Caribbean nation that boasts economic security and excellent health care. 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). 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. Its difficult to maintain family bonds and friendships when school and work take us far from home, into strange communities. What Is The Potential Of Generative AI In Healthcare? Wellness enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. 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. My Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Retreat. Loma Linda, California. Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! Long-living creatures like sea turtles are frequent visitors to the Blue Zone too. 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. So, Nicoya is another blue zone in the world alongside Okinawa (Japan), Cerdea (Italia), Icaria (Greece) and Loma Linda (California). 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. Successful centenarians have a strong sense of purpose. The Nicoya Peninsula is on Costa Ricas north Pacific coast. "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. But we must also consider the impact of our individual health and lifestyle choices on future generations. There are five areas of the world that meet the qualifications of Blue Zone as defined by Buettner. Located in northwestern Costa Rica, near the border with Nicaragua, Playas del Coco which is more commonly called Cocois a beach town, popular with both expats and Costa Ricans. Many believe it will be through the cutting-edge innovations of regenerative medicine that the privileges of the Blue Zones can be democratized, so that anyone, anywhere, and at any time has access to the technology that allows us to replenish, replace and rejuvenate our physical bodies., What weve witnessed during 2020 are healthcare systems around the world that are reactive, bureaucratic, inefficient, and saturated. He finished, stating emphatically "please keep it and put the new generation on the same line in the treasure of this Blue Zone.". This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. They know how to listen, laugh, and appreciate what they have. In parallel, the ICT has drawn attention to the concept of the Blue Zone as part of its wellness tourism strategy as a distinctive feature in promoting the destination, while the Ministry of Culture and Youth has identified the long-lived inhabitants as bearers of a tradition which they can contribute to recovering for future generations. Centenarians seem to have enjoyed physical work of all their lives. Full of natural beauty, endless sunlight, white beaches and radiant ocean, Nicoya reigns as one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica. Nicoyans often live more than 100 years and Nicoya boasts of the highest number of centenarians in the world. 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). 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. Meaning, family ties are strong. Complex carbs provide the energy a person needs to get through the day. Costa Rica Tourism Board, Institutional Site, Costa Rica Convention Center, Promotional Site, Costa Rica Tourism Board | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map. These areas are: Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Ikaria, Greece. 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. He then had the idea to research areas in the world with the longest lifespan. 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). The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. 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. 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. Montezuma is great for long beach walks and jungle hikes. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. It requires descending 17 yards down a ladder to see cave formations that resemble fried eggs, popcorn, roses, and shark teeth. First and foremost, the competition to get ahead isnt the same here as it is in some other western countries. It is not unusual for many generations to live on one property or in very close proximity to each other. 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. A stay at Nantipa will help you have a true Blue Zone adventure, especially if you book its transcendental wellness experience. Buettner's studies on the Nicoya Peninsula revealed eight key factors that affect people's life expectancy. Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). While we may not increase the average life expectancy throughout the world we can use Nicoya as a template for healthier living. Read more below about the lessons that Nicoya, Costa Rica can teach you about longevity. English is widely spoken and the town has lots of tourist infrastructure with a wide variety of restaurant and accommodation choices. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The gateway to the Nicoya Peninsula is the beach town of Tamarindo on the west coast, which is very popular with international travelers. 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. Hi, my name is Mike Gillespie & I'm fundraising to help support the Blue Zone communities in Nicoya Costa Rica. 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). Barrio La California, Nicoyans attribute much of their longevity to social values of faith and family. Buettner approached National Geograhic with his idea and they agreed to help fund his research. Dan Buettner is really the man behind Blue Zones, so I suggest you start your interest with him. O segreto da Zona Azul de Nicoya. For more information read our privacy policy. 4. Most residents here live to be over the age of 90 and there's a high number of centenarians as well. Despite that, the area has many of the same ideals that the rest of Costa Ricans have. 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. The Tortuga Islands are offshore and are a frequent destination for snorkeling trips, even from other parts of the peninsula. 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. Having a Blue Zone helps strengthen the country's constant striving for quality of life, both for Costa Ricans and for tourists. Try spending quality times with your loved ones. 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 quality of Nicoyas water might be one of the reasons residents live long enough to become centenarians and almost-centenarians. 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. Nicoya is a small, rural beach community located on the Guanacaste peninsula on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. Nantipa means blue in the language of the Chorotega people, some of the first known people to live in the Nicoya region. 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. 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. This vigorous village is one of the Blue Zones' unique hotspots. The peak nesting time is from August to November and in the days before a new moon, thousands of turtles congregate in the Pacific waiting for the perfect time to come ashore and dig a hole to lay their eggs. 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. The Ikarians and the Ikaria is another one of the Blue Zones, and the Costa Ricans, Nicoya, they're taking a nap. Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). Swimming holes dot the peninsula too, including beneath the Montezuma waterfall. 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. Imagine yourself in a future not-so-distant, where more conscious lifestyle decisions you make at an individual level, are supported by a branch of medicine that attempts to change the course of diseases and regenerates failing parts of our bodies. 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 information has been translated into lessons that can be implemented into your everyday life. 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. Certain common characteristics were also established in order to determine whether additional Blue Zones could be added in the near future. Lunch is the main meal in Costa Rica (its better for your digestion to eat a bigger breakfast and lunch and a lighter dinner). Staples of the traditional Nicoya diet include homemade corn tortillas, black beans, white rice, a variety of squash, yams, papaya, bananas, and pejibayes. They eat many fruits and vegetables often grown on their own lands, and they tend not to consume much meat. "The five cantons of the peninsula continue to appear with greater longevity and we've confirmed this everywhere we've investigated. The most popular towns to visit here are Montezuma and Santa Teresa. mobile app. On the peninsulas southeast coast is Tambor, with Nicoyas most southerly airport. So why is it that the people of Nicoya outlive so many others? January 18, 2022 . These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. I have been exploring the data reported by National Geographic and Dan Buettner in the Blue Zones Solution: . Also, we would love to hear your thoughts on Blue Zones and what constitutes a long lifestyle. Going down the west coast from Tamarindo youll find several beach towns, most notably yoga center Nosara and surfers paradise Santa Teresa. Old people often have too little calcium in their bodies. Community.
