So, what's the secret behind our region's long life? The Power of Nine is the name Buetnner has given to the characteristics that all Blue Zones seem to share. This Central American nation isn't that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. 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. Check out all of our favorite travel companies. In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average lifespan is 85 among the world's highest. Nicoya, Costa Rica, is a Central American Caribbean nation that boasts economic security and excellent health care. There are two trails for visitors and a pristine white sand beach. Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). 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. Blue zones are regions where some of the oldest and healthiest people live. 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. 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). You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Going down the west coast from Tamarindo youll find several beach towns, most notably yoga center Nosara and surfers paradise Santa Teresa. Blessed with sandy beaches and tropical forest, it's something of a backpackers' paradise. Oftentimes, this helps maintain healthy and supportive relationships within their communities, and develop a strong sense of faith and purpose along the way. 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. Many of us in Western countries know we need to eat less junk and add more natural food to our diets. 1 - The Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. It is fascinating to see which factors play into long lifespan including how you can emulate this lifestyle. There are five regions around the world called the Blue Zones: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece, and Loma Linda, California. And a breakfast rich with antioxidants helps to protect a persons cells from disease. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. 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). By Ty and Charlene Bollinger. In other words, Nicoyans receive a healthy dose of vitamins in their daily diet. This information has been translated into lessons that can be implemented into your everyday life. 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. 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). We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. 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. In other words, it lives longer than the average global life expectancy. Gone are the days of making your own food and growing organic produce. Old people often have too little calcium in their bodies. People often consider the impact of global decisions on future generations through legislation. They eat many fruits and vegetables often grown on their own lands, and they tend not to consume much meat. It is the reason why the founder of Omega Institute set up Blue Spirit in Nosara and a Longevity center. BOOK YOUR COSTA RICA RENTAL CAR AND SAVE 10%. Beyond this context, however, the health authorities are taking measures to help Costa Ricans reach over 80 years of age in good health. There are many factors that go into the long life of Nicoyans, and some of them will be impossible for you to replicate (unless you plan to move to an area of the world where the sun is always shining, the nature is amazing, and then you also need to bring all of your family with you). Another is a focus on family and a special ability to listen and laugh. 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. American researcher, Dan Buettner, discovered that people in these areas shared several lifestyle characteristics: They don't smoke; They eat a plant-based diet Buettner approached National Geograhic with his idea and they agreed to help fund his research. However, Costa Rica's blue zone is so much more. Your email address will not be published. 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. To my delight, Costa Rica has its own Blue Zone - the Nicoya Peninsula! Butterflies in Costa Rica The Best Places to See Them, Irazu Volcano Visit the Highest Volcano in Costa Rica, 20 Free Things to Do in Costa Rica That Youll Love, Costa Rica Rental Car Discount Save Up to 20%, The feeling of a sense of purpose in life. Alternatively, Blue. Along with starting every morning with a healthy breakfast, Nicoyans also eat nutritious food throughout the day. January 18, 2022 . He then went on release a book The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who Have Lived the Longest in 2008. Despite that, the area has many of the same ideals that the rest of Costa Ricans have. Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula joins Sardinia, Italy, Okinawa, Japan, Lima Linda, California, and Icaria, Greece as one of the world's five blue zones. The most popular towns to visit here are Montezuma and Santa Teresa. Nicoya was introduced as a Blue Zone in a 2004 National Geographic article by Dan Buettner. Wildlife is abundant. They find joy in everyday physical chores. 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." Conzcanos. The peninsula is one of the worlds five Blue Zones where many people live exceptionally long and healthy lives. The Adobe Rent-A-Car discount includes.. DISCOUNTED SMARTPHONE USAGE WITH UNLIMITED DATA. 4. For more information read our privacy policy. Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! Their traditional diet of fortified maize and beans may be the best nutritional combination for longevity the world has ever known. This is a BETA experience. A blue zone is a geographical area in which the population is the longest-lived. If we can harness that, we can hopefully improve the health of future generations. Nicoyans often live more than 100 years and Nicoya boasts of the highest number of centenarians in the world. While we may not increase the average life expectancy throughout the world we can use Nicoya as a template for healthier living. Having a Blue Zone helps strengthen the country's constant striving for quality of life, both for Costa Ricans and for tourists. 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.) Costa Rica as a whole is a happy place. Soltara Healing Center is located on the calm and pristine Gulf of Nicoya in the mountainous jungle of Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula. 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. In these areas people have low rates of chronic diseases, so they tend to live longer than in other places. One of the world's Blue Zones is in Nicoya, Costa Rica. Rhuigi Villaseor Kept His Foot On The Gas. Staples of the traditional Nicoya diet include homemade corn tortillas, black beans, white rice, a variety of squash, yams, papaya, bananas, and pejibayes. Drain and pat the onions dry with paper towel. Modern Nicoyans roots to the indigenous Chorotega and their traditions have enabled them to remain relatively free of stress. This Blue Zone is in the mountains of the Nicoyan Peninsula in western Costa Rica. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, 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. The reason why they are called "blue zones" is a curious story We know we should include exercise into all parts of our lives (not just an hour at the gym). Your email address will not be published. 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. Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! There will be a lot to learn and a lot to do to get back to a healthier normal. Moais are a powerful social tradition that create feelings of belonging, purpose and security. Learn more about typical diet with our Guide to Costa Rican Food. Who knows, maybe it will change your life! Hi, my name is Mike Gillespie & I'm fundraising to help support the Blue Zone communities in Nicoya Costa Rica. 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. 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. I also suggest watching his TED Talk. Get your fill of fresh fruits like pineapple, mango, papaya, banana, and passionfruit and vegetables and legumes like squash, cassava, plantain, yam, and beans. 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). 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. 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 Adventists are praying. The world has a number of Blue Zones, areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. 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. 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. I'm a Chief Metaverse Officer and a web3 luxury and fashion innovator. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Buettner's studies on the Nicoya Peninsula revealed eight key factors that affect people's life expectancy. 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. They are joined by 42 other centenarians in the Nicoya Peninsula, located in the 5 blue cantons: Nicoya, Santa Cruz, Hojancha, Nandayure and Carrillo (according to data from Jorge Vindas, a field researcher for the Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Association). Black bean starter To a small pot over medium-low heat, add one can of rinsed black beans. Speaking of work, finding work/life balance is a constant challenge for many. Would you like to visit the Nicoya Peninsula? I cant blame you. 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. We are always happy to help you out! Loma Linda, California. 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. Feel free to leave them in the comment section below. Full of natural beauty, endless sunlight, white beaches and radiant ocean, Nicoya reigns as one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica. Having worked with the pioneers in mind-body research and psychoneuroimmunology. I have been exploring the data reported by National Geographic and Dan Buettner in the Blue Zones Solution: . O que so Zonas Azuis? "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." In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average life span is 85among the world's highest. The beautiful view of the beaches may also have a hand in this. While Nicoyans start their day by eating a healthy breakfast, their diet is not the only secret to living long lives. Of course, there is still a desire for success (especially in the cities) but in general, the priorities are shifted. The five known Blue Zones identified in Buettner's book include:. This provides the nutrition they need to work hard during the day. 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. Guevara lives in the Nicoya peninsula of Costa Rica. Warm, Sunny Climate. Wellness enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. 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. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. It is also one of the world's Blue Zones. 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. 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. Eco-tourism is a natural must in this out-of-this-world scenario, where everything that happens is in a quiet, lovely pace. It is not unusual for several generations to gather on a regular basis for lively gatherings. Brand Storytelling At Sundance: Championing Excellence And Filmmakers With Purpose, Profitable ECommerce Growth For CPGs Is In Reach. - save 10% Plus other perks . There are several theories about why the Blue Zone of Costa Rica exists, but the most likely explanation is that it is due to a combination of factors. 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. They are eye-opening and heart-tugging. Now I was excited to roam off the beaten path into a world-famous Nicoya Peninsula blue zone. It is home to some of the most active, hard-working, and friendliest people on earth. It includes black beans, cooked plantains, fresh papaya, yams, squash, homemade corn tortillas, and fish (if near the coast). Actually, it is home. The surroundings dictate ways of operating, not personal decisions. 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. Protein helps to rebuild and repair tissue, as well as it helps a person to feel full. The five blue zones are: Loma Linda, California; Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. It is believed that one factor which may contribute to the high number of Nicoyan centenarians is the high calcium content in the water. Dubbed "blue zones," residents of these areas share a common environment and lifestyle that . Inadequate calcium means weak muscles -- including the heart. Blue Zones Nicoya naci en 2014, una empresa 100% costarricense, que durante los ltimos 6 aos ha sido destacada por la investigacin de alimentos locales de la Zona Azul de Nicoya-Guanacaste. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The daily breakfast consists of gallo pinto (rice and beans) with a basket of homemade corn tortillas and hot coffee. A nine-hole golf course is a mile away. I mean, how can you not be happy when the average daily temperature is 85 degrees fahrenheit, you can easily get to the beach or jungle, and youre surrounded by an abundance of nature and wildlife? A "Blue Zone" is an area of the world where it is typical for people to live past 100 years old. 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. 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. El propsito de la compaa es promover y crear conciencia sobre el consumo de productos de alta calidad, con valor nutricional y . All rights reserved. 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. Nearby is the Barra Honda National Park with its caves, the Monte Alto Nature Reserve where a variety of orchids grow, and other natural reserves where you can see wildlife. 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. Heres how to plan a trip to the Blue Zone in Costa Rica. In a few, unique communities around the globe, people live long and heathy lives, up to and past 100. When that day comes, Nicoyas Blue Zone will continue to be an example of the resiliency of the human body and spirit. Required fields are marked *, car rental deal! Nantipas special wellness booking includes yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic and sound therapies, and sessions with wellness coaches and personal trainers. So why is it that the people of Nicoya outlive so many others? 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 The Tortuga Islands are offshore and are a frequent destination for snorkeling trips, even from other parts of the peninsula. Santa Teresa is great for surfing and enjoying a small but vibrant town with a backpacker vibe. Most residents here live to be over the age of 90 and there's a high number of centenarians as well. It is a template outlining the lifestyles of people who live in places like Nicoya, Costa Rica. The traditional diet in the area is also notable. They typically do not consume a lot of meat. 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. 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.
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