They typically do not consume a lot of meat. Going down the west coast from Tamarindo youll find several beach towns, most notably yoga center Nosara and surfers paradise Santa Teresa. 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). 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. Nicoyans eat a light dinner early in the evening. It is not unusual for several generations to gather on a regular basis for lively gatherings. Come to Nicoya, Costa Rica, One of the World's Five 'Blue Zones' The Nicoya Peninsula has a high concentration of people over 100 years old and a low incidence of health problems like cancer or heart disease. 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. 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. The traditional diet in the area is also notable. Nicoya is famous for being a marvelous playground for surfers all over the world. 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. Read more below about the lessons that Nicoya, Costa Rica can teach you about longevity. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. They feel needed and want to contribute to a greater good. The Nicoya Peninsula is in many ways isolated from the rest of Costa Rica due to geography. Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! The forest here is more tropical than further north and is home to deer, pacas, monkeys, armadillos, laughing gulls, pelicans, frigates, and brown boobies. Costa Rica is known for its pura vida lifestyle and attitude. These geographical areas are considered special, because most people live at least 90 and often over 100 years of age. In an article in the Chicagoan, Marc J. Technology permeates everyday life and Nicoya is the perfect place to go for a digital detox. 4. Making the smart choice in traditional Blue Zones is often the only choice available, not really a choice at all. Montezuma is great for long beach walks and jungle hikes. These cantons are: Carillo, Hojancha, Nicoya, Santa Cruz, and Nandoyure. Drain and pat the onions dry with paper towel. The Tortuga Islands are offshore and are a frequent destination for snorkeling trips, even from other parts of the peninsula. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Centenarians seem to have enjoyed physical work of all their lives. These areas are: Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Ikaria, Greece. Meat, fish, and poultry only make up 5% of the usual diet. The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. 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. . Old people often have too little calcium in their bodies. Nicoya, Costa Rica: A Puzzling Blue Zone Diet Light on Vegetables and High in Carbohydrate and Sugar. Try cutting out some meat and replacing it with fresh vegetables and fruit. Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). The distinguished list included pioneering researchers on this subject: Michel Poulain of Belgium, Dr. Gianni Mario Pes and Paolo Francalacci from Sardinia, Italy, Christina Chrysochoou from Icaria, Greece, Makoto Suzuki from Okinawa, Japan, Gina Siapco from Loma Linda, USA, and Diego Bernardini from Argentina. Are you interested in learning more about the Costa Rica Blue Zone and other zones of the world? Rooms have a mini fridge and theres a communal kitchen plus bikes to rent. When Dan Buettner introduced the concept of Blue Zones, he formed the Blue Zones Project. To understand some of the reasons why Blue-Zoners live healthier, longer lives, let's take another look at Ricardo's daily routine. Most people in this area never move. My fourth investigation into exactly what our Blue Zone folks eat has left this dietitian, well, intrigued. Nantipa means blue in the language of the Chorotega people, some of the first known people to live in the Nicoya region. The Power of Nine is the name Buetnner has given to the characteristics that all Blue Zones seem to share. The Nicoyan way of life can enlighten people to make choices that will help to increase their life expectancy. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. We have obtained information from Nicoya, Costa Rica on ways to live longer and be happier. March 2nd, 2023. "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. Nicoya is a small, rural beach community located on the Guanacaste peninsula on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. 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. Wildlife is abundant. 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. This provides the nutrition they need to work hard during the day. Over the last several months, the world has mourned the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives. I will be visiting Costa Rica next week to meet with Jorge who founded a local organization that helps the small Blue Zone villages. For more information read our privacy policy. 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. I also suggest watching his TED Talk. 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It helps them remain positive. But we must also consider the impact of our individual health and lifestyle choices on future generations. As indicated by the World Health Organization, "active or positive aging is the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age". 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. 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. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. Costa Rica Experts 2023. Get some sensible sun. 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. It is a template outlining the lifestyles of people who live in places like Nicoya, Costa Rica. The baby turtles hatch 45 to 54 days later and, if theyre lucky, might live another 50 to 80 years. This Central American nation isn't that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. Nicoyas interior where most of the centenarians and almost-centenarians live and northeastern coast are less visited by tourists but still have much to offer. Another is a focus on family and a special ability to listen and laugh. Inadequate calcium means weak muscles -- including the heart. In one of Buettner's most recent visits to Costa Rica, he defined Blue Zones as "a kind of lifestyle and environment that creates longevity. Youre sure to be on the path to a long and healthy life after the four-handed Abundance Treatment, which combines Reiki, Shiatsu, Swedish massage, sound and aromatherapy, and acupressure. Blue zones are regions where some of the oldest and healthiest people live. These characteristics are: Despite this, it is believed that 30% of a long healthy life comes from genes and 70% is based on lifestyle. On today's podcast, Gina does some serious myth-busting about what has kept the centenarians so well, for so long. And a breakfast rich with antioxidants helps to protect a persons cells from disease. Throughout the world, the average life expectancy is 71 years of age (70 for males and 72 for females). Wellness enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. Many Nicoyans choose to walk from one destination to another instead of driving. There are common factors that exist in these populations, such as good physical and mental health, a healthy traditional diet, respect for the family, deep faith, constant mobility, and a purpose in life. 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. What we can incorporate about Nicoya into our culture is the sense of purpose Nicoyans enjoy. That means family ties are the backbone for most peoples existence. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Rhuigi Villaseor Kept His Foot On The Gas. 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. The five known Blue Zones identified in Buettner's book include:. 1 - The Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. The most popular towns to visit here are Montezuma and Santa Teresa. He then had the idea to research areas in the world with the longest lifespan. We can start making healthier choices today, thus living more enriching lives and encouraging others to adopt similar healthy ways of living. Nicoya, Costa Rica. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. Research shows that 30% of longevity comes from genes, and the remaining 70% from lifestyle. "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. Healthy and supportive relationships with friends and family are another one of their keys to longevity. A blue zone is a geographical area in which the population is the longest-lived. So, what's the secret behind our region's long life? 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. Where are the world's Blue Zones located? In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average life span is 85among the world's highest. It is fascinating to see which factors play into long lifespan including how you can emulate this lifestyle. 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. 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. Are We Headed To A World In Which We Own Nothing? First . 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. They find joy in everyday physical chores. Certain common characteristics were also established in order to determine whether additional Blue Zones could be added in the near future. Rare species like pumas, ocelots, and margay cats make their home here too. 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). One is the plan de vida, or reason to live, which propels a positive outlook among elders and helps keep them active. For one, Costa Rica is a small country and most people never move away from the area they were born in. 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). 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. Costa Rica as a whole is a happy place. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Sardinia, Italy. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. All rights reserved. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. 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. 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. Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! Look for howler and capuchin monkeys, parrots and parakeets, and bigger birds like herons and hawks. Meaning, family ties are strong. Not long after, he began to lead trips to the first Blue Zones that he had discovered. Scarlet macaws are bred in Tambor and youll have a chance of seeing them, even on the beach. 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). 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. 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. A "Blue Zone" is an area of the world where it is typical for people to live past 100 years old. Feel free to leave them in the comment section below. Thanks to the peninsulas reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. According to researchers, most inhabitants live to at least the age of 90. Black beans contain high doses of antioxidants and they are eaten for almost every meal among Nicoyans (and most Costa Ricans). That sense of purpose drives them in all aspects of their lives. Still planning? By TCRN STAFF October 5, 2022 528 0 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). Or, get your zen on at La Senda, the wellness center on a 74-acre forested property near Tamarindo. There are five regions around the world called the Blue Zones: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece, and Loma Linda, California. Heres how to plan a trip to the Blue Zone in Costa Rica. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. It is the reason why the founder of Omega Institute set up Blue Spirit in Nosara and a Longevity center. He finished, stating emphatically "please keep it and put the new generation on the same line in the treasure of this Blue Zone.". Nicoya isn't full of marathon runners . You can design your own holistic retreat too, choosing from a Kirtan sound bath, detox program, cacao ceremony, blue clay treatment, drum circles, and more. Maintaining close ties with family and friends helps reduce stress. Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! 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. This calcium leads to stronger bones and the ability to stay physically active at a later age. Montezuma: Best Hotels in Costa Rica. Living Hotel partners with the Spacio spa, a five-minute walk away, which has several treatments geared to surfers. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. "The five cantons of the peninsula continue to appear with greater longevity and we've confirmed this everywhere we've investigated. Nicoya, Costa Rica, is a Central American Caribbean nation that boasts economic security and excellent health care. 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. However, Costa Rica's blue zone is so much more. Their traditional diet of fortified maize and beans may be the best nutritional combination for longevity the world has ever known. 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. Lane reasons why Chicago should use the Blue Zones template to improve the lives of people who live there. I cant blame you. 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. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The Nicoya Peninsula, in Costa Rica, is one of them, . It's also an area identified as a "Blue Zone . The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. Your email address will not be published. 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. This healthy breakfast gives them the nutrients they need for a day of tending crops and livestock. 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. 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. In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average lifespan is 85 among the world's highest. According to researchers, most inhabitants live to at least the age of 90.. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. I'm a Chief Metaverse Officer and a web3 luxury and fashion innovator. 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). 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. But the simplest truth is that what one needs is to sleep eight hours every night, eat a nutritious, plant-based diet during a six-hour period to give your pancreas an 18-hour break until your next meal, and be at peace with everything and everyone all of the time, he adds. Each region has its own diet, types of exercise, and community structure, but each has specific elements in common - all starting with a sense of purpose. Full of natural beauty, endless sunlight, white beaches and radiant ocean, Nicoya reigns as one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica. Dinner is typically a light meal, consumed early in the evening which allows plenty of time for digestion before bed. While Nicoyans start their day by eating a healthy breakfast, their diet is not the only secret to living long lives. It consists of 100 recipes with ingredients used by those who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica and the other four Blue Zones. Dubbed "blue zones," residents of these areas share a common environment and lifestyle that . Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. 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. The expat community in Coco is generally older retirees, however, there are some younger expats running around. Guest Writer for Wake Up World. 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. We are always happy to help you out! Specifically, the rural landscapes of the Nicoya Peninsula, where people have some of the longest lifespans in the world. Having worked with the pioneers in mind-body research and psychoneuroimmunology. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The peninsula is one of the worlds five Blue Zones where many people live exceptionally long and healthy lives. 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.
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