He added that "we must somehow emulate, duplicate or copy the lifestyle of centenarians, and their way of living, but above all, their environment, diet, activity; above all, the connections they make, human connections, not technological ones. And now, it's a well-known fact: Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula, dubbed as a "high-longevity island," is one of the world's rare blue zones - one of only five original regions, joined by Icaria (Greece), Okinawa (Japan), Lima Linda (California, USA), and Sardinia (Italy). The Power of Nutrition (Part 3): The Blue Zones Physicians According to Buettner's studies, the Nicoya Peninsula has the world's lowest rates of middle-age mortality and the second highest convergence of male centenarians. Blue Zones Nicoya desarrolla alimentos, bebidas y suplementos inspirados en los centenarios de la. 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. 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. 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. This calcium leads to stronger bones and the ability to stay physically active at a later age. Get to Know the Secrets of Costa Rica's Blue Zone It is not unusual for several generations to gather on a regular basis for lively gatherings. 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. 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). Hi, my name is Mike Gillespie & I'm fundraising to help support the Blue Zone communities in Nicoya Costa Rica. Centenarians seem to have enjoyed physical work of all their lives. According to researchers, most inhabitants live to at least the age of 90. Not only do they live longer, their metabolism is better, the levels of cognitive impairment are lower, and they function at a higher level. In other words, it lives longer than the average global life expectancy. 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. Conzcanos. Directions: Toss the cabbage with the orange juice, season with salt and pepper and let sit 30 minutes. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. English is widely spoken and the town has lots of tourist infrastructure with a wide variety of restaurant and accommodation choices. 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.) Theyre focused on sick care, and so the actual healthcare is often neglected, says Chaves. Brand Storytelling At Sundance: Championing Excellence And Filmmakers With Purpose, Profitable ECommerce Growth For CPGs Is In Reach. Having a Blue Zone helps strengthen the country's constant striving for quality of life, both for Costa Ricans and for tourists. Dan discovered five places where residents have low rates of chronic disease and live longer than anywhere else. For many the hope is that the lessons that these centenarians can teach us and the secrets of well-being and longevity that live in this extraordinary part of the world, will be able benefit all of humanity in the future. We have obtained information from Nicoya, Costa Rica on ways to live longer and be happier. However, both towns have a more touristy vibe to them. This vigorous village is one of the Blue Zones' unique hotspots. There are five areas of the world that meet the qualifications of Blue Zone as defined by Buettner. 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. Do you ever wish you could know the secrets to a long and happy life? 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. At the southern tip of the peninsula is Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. Customer Experience Critical To Consumer Preference: IAAPA CEO Comments On Key Trends, When It Comes To Advertising, Multicultural Representation Is Not Enough. You may opt-out by. Black bean starter To a small pot over medium-low heat, add one can of rinsed black beans. Why Nicoya is Considered One of the Anti-Aging Zones in the World Few really know what aging is and how it can be controlled, here experts from Costa Rica and around the world talk about it and define the Nicoya Peninsula as one of those with the most long-lived people. 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). They have been able to exceed their life expectancy and serve as an example for the entire world. Nicoya. The Nicoya Peninsula, in Costa Rica, is one of them, . Compreende os 5 cantos da Pennsula de Nicoya: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz e Nicoya. 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. For most Americans, an entrance ramp for a new lifestyle change is through their mouth, Buettner says. Montezuma: Best Hotels in Costa Rica. Montezuma is great for long beach walks and jungle hikes. 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. Or, get your zen on at La Senda, the wellness center on a 74-acre forested property near Tamarindo. Nicoya Peninsula - A Blue Zone In Costa Rica | Villa Firenze This Central American nation isnt that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. Why is Costa Rica one of the Happiest, Healthiest - Blue Zones Nicoya 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. We know we should include exercise into all parts of our lives (not just an hour at the gym). Oftentimes, this helps maintain healthy and supportive relationships within their communities, and develop a strong sense of faith and purpose along the way. It is also one of the world's Blue Zones. For one, Costa Rica is a small country and most people never move away from the area they were born in. 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. They know how to listen, laugh, and appreciate what they have. 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. Lunch is the main meal in Costa Rica (its better for your digestion to eat a bigger breakfast and lunch and a lighter dinner). 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. Now I was excited to roam off the beaten path into a world-famous Nicoya Peninsula blue zone. The surroundings dictate ways of operating, not personal decisions. Almost 40 percent of the residents of the Nicoya Peninsula (about 5,000 of the population of 132,000) are over the age of 75, more than 900 are over the age of 90, and many are over 100. Their traditional diet of fortified maize and beans may be the best nutritional combination for longevity the world has ever known. The daily breakfast consists of gallo pinto (rice and beans) with a basket of homemade corn tortillas and hot coffee. 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. Toss gently. Try cutting out some meat and replacing it with fresh vegetables and fruit. The most southerly point is Cabo Blanco Reserve and the south coast also has the town of Tambor. Dan Buettner is really the man behind Blue Zones, so I suggest you start your interest with him. Surprisingly, happiness and keeping a focus on family are two of the main components. But we must also consider the impact of our individual health and lifestyle choices on future generations. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. If coming from San Jose, the easiest way to get to the Nicoya Peninsula is to take the ferry from Puntarenas. Drain and pat the onions dry with paper towel. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Complex carbs provide the energy a person needs to get through the day. 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. 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. Now, visiting Nicoya doesnt mean youll automatically live to 100, but a trip there is likely to put you on the path to pure life thanks to its natural environment and abundance of healthy activities. He then went on release a book The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who Have Lived the Longest in 2008. Feel free to leave them in the comment section below. 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. Costa Rica holds one of the original 5 blue zones of the world and you will find yourself in one of them if you decide on living in the Nicoya Peninsula. Ed #2798 Oficina #8 San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. The Nicoyan way of life can enlighten people to make choices that will help to increase their life expectancy. So, having extra-hard water may help keep Nicoyans' hearts strong, and longer. The Nicoya Peninsula is in many ways isolated from the rest of Costa Rica due to geography. By Ty and Charlene Bollinger. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. In the southern part of the peninsula, Santa Teresa is a popular surf area that sprawls for miles along the coast. How Much Does it Cost to Live in Costa Rica? (2023) - A Little Adrift Most residents here live to be over the age of 90 and there's a high number of centenarians as well. Get your fill of fresh fruits like pineapple, mango, papaya, banana, and passionfruit and vegetables and legumes like squash, cassava, plantain, yam, and beans. Research shows that 30% of longevity comes from genes, and the remaining 70% from lifestyle. Loma Linda, California. About two hours down the coast from Tamarindo is Nosara, Nicoyas yoga center (the Nosara Yoga Institute here offers teacher training). There will be a lot to learn and a lot to do to get back to a healthier normal. Why is Costa Rica a blue zone? - 2023 - fiosdl.hioctanefuel.com The baby turtles hatch 45 to 54 days later and, if theyre lucky, might live another 50 to 80 years. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. 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. In a few, unique communities around the globe, people live long and heathy lives, up to and past 100. Nicoya isn't full of marathon runners . obesity, or heart disease. It includes black beans, cooked plantains, fresh papaya, yams, squash, homemade corn tortillas, and fish (if near the coast). Support the Blue Zone Communities in Costa Rica 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 . These cookies do not store any personal information. The secret of Nicoya's Blue Zone | Visit Costa Rica | Costa Rica 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. Where are the world's Blue Zones located? "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. 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 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. Nicoya, Costa Rica. Sustainability is said to be a way of life, and Costa Rica has actually reversed deforestation; protects more than a quarter of its landmass via 29 national parks, 19 wildlife refuges, and eight biological reserves; gets 93 percent of its electricity from renewable resources, and aims to be completely decarbonized by 2050. The world has 5 recognized Blue Zones (as determined by the authority of National Geographic ). Of course, there is still a desire for success (especially in the cities) but in general, the priorities are shifted. You can hike along trails, go horseback riding, kayak through the mangroves, and swim off the beach. It is believed that one factor which may contribute to the high number of Nicoyan centenarians is the high calcium content in the water. 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. 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. Technology permeates everyday life and Nicoya is the perfect place to go for a digital detox. All rights reserved. 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. Wellness enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. Costa Rica indeed does celebrate its elderly citizens; every person who has a 100 th birthday is . Unlocking the secret to longevity in Nicoya region Costa Rica All of our step by step Costa Rica planning tips in one spot. 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. They eat many fruits and vegetables often grown on their own lands, and they tend not to consume much meat. Face-to-Face Conversations. ", 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. 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." Guevara lives in the Nicoya peninsula of Costa Rica. Also, we would love to hear your thoughts on Blue Zones and what constitutes a long lifestyle. So, what's the secret behind our region's long life? Blue Zone: Nicoya, Costa Rica - Plant-Based Life Foundation