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. Dan Buettner is really the man behind Blue Zones, so I suggest you start your interest with him. Everything You Need To Know About the Blue Zone in Costa Rica Blue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longest. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Staples of the traditional Nicoya diet include homemade corn tortillas, black beans, white rice, a variety of squash, yams, papaya, bananas, and pejibayes. Blue Zones: How The World's Oldest People Make Their Money Last - Forbes Cities throughout the world can use this template to encourage people to live healthier lives. 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. Old people often have too little calcium in their bodies. The Power of Nine is the name Buetnner has given to the characteristics that all Blue Zones seem to share. The Blue Zone Diet: Costa Rica's Secret to Living to 100 - Culture Trip While we may not increase the average life expectancy throughout the world we can use Nicoya as a template for healthier living. 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. Nicoya isn't full of marathon runners . This is an excerpt fromBlue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longestby Dan Buettner, copyright 2008, all rights reserved. Blessed with sandy beaches and tropical forest, it's something of a backpackers' paradise. Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula is a Blue Zone for long life | Enchanting He has written numerous books on the topic, but I suggest starting with: Blue Zones of Happiness and The Blue Zones Kitchen (a cookbook). What are Blue Zones? The Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone, in addition to aligning with our Wellness Pura Vida strategy, are important as a driver of wellness tourism throughout the country, highlighting the importance of creating authentic travel experiences. 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. Is it Something in the Water? - ABC News Youll stay in one of 21 suites, bungalows, and villas; lounge in poolside hammocks; walk on the beach; swim; and enjoy seafood purchased from local fishers and bread by the local baker in the open-air Manzu Restaurant thats right on Playa Santa Teresa. 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. 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. If you want to really embrace the Nicoya Peninsula blue zone vibe, head to any small village in the area. Unlocking the secret to longevity in Nicoya region Costa Rica Research shows that 30% of longevity comes from genes, and the remaining 70% from lifestyle. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. 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. Nicoya, Costa Rica is one of those unique locations where lifestyle, diet, and low stress have dramatically bettered the lives of Ticos and expats alike. Blue Zone - Samara, Costa Rica, Samara Beach, Playa Samara, Carrillo It was a spontaneous decision to move here, but it was the best decision! Due to the Nicoya Peninsula's location in Central America, the area has an abundance of warm days with tons of sunlight. In mid-November 2017, the first World Meeting of Blue Zones was held. 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. A way of life that keeps cells young in one region of Costa Rica Nicoyan centenarians tend to live with their families, and children or grandchildren provide support and a sense of purpose and belonging. 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. In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average life span is 85among the world's highest. They feel needed and want to contribute to a greater good. 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). All rights reserved. There are two trails for visitors and a pristine white sand beach. This vigorous village is one of the Blue Zones' unique hotspots. For those who might need some meal ideas, Dan Buettner, wrote the Blue Zones Kitchen cookbook. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Within Nosaras lush forest and a three-minute walk to Guiones Beach, this small hotel has a daily yoga class plus private yoga instruction, surf lessons, a large pool, hammocks, and a juice and coffee bar. 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. This healthy breakfast gives them the nutrients they need for a day of tending crops and livestock. WED LOVE IF YOUD ADD IT ON PINTEREST! We hope you love the Blue Zone Costa Rica stays we recommend. Actually, it is home. 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). A three-course farm-to-table dinner with a tour of the organic garden is available Mondays and Thursdays. One of the world's Blue Zones is in 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. 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. The Nicoya Peninsula is on Costa Ricas north Pacific coast. Going down the west coast from Tamarindo youll find several beach towns, most notably yoga center Nosara and surfers paradise Santa Teresa. A "Blue Zone" is an area of the world where it is typical for people to live past 100 years old. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 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 a template outlining the lifestyles of people who live in places like Nicoya, Costa Rica. They have been able to exceed their life expectancy and serve as an example for the entire world. Lane reasons why Chicago should use the Blue Zones template to improve the lives of people who live there. 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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. 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. By encouraging Nicoyans belief community and sense of purpose through work, family, or nature, cities could help their poorest thrive. How Much Does it Cost to Live in Costa Rica? (2023) - A Little Adrift You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. There are other blue zones in California, Italy, Greece, and Japan. Near the fishing village of Tambor (reached by a 20-minute flight from San Jos or a drive down from the Paquera ferry) is Costa Ricas first all-inclusive. 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". It consists of 100 recipes with ingredients used by those who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica and the other four Blue Zones. What makes a 'Blue Zone' a 'Blue Zone'? - eaglesnestcr.com Access to natural foods and organic fruits and vegetables (stables of the Nicoyans) is difficult to come by. 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 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. The beautiful view of the beaches may also have a hand in this. 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. 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 Costa Rica's Blue Zone Can Teach Us About The Future Of - Forbes The baby turtles hatch 45 to 54 days later and, if theyre lucky, might live another 50 to 80 years. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. "This meeting commits us to preserve this Blue Zone, but most importantly, it should have a multiplier effect and serve as an example for the other cantons of the country" said Ana Monge, Commissioner of the Presidential Social Council of the Government of Costa Rica. Nicoyan centenarians get frequent visits from neighbors. These areas are: Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Ikaria, Greece. Why is Costa Rica one of the Happiest, Healthiest Places - Blue Zones Nicoyan centenarians frequently visit with neighbors, and they tend to live with families and children or grandchildren who provide support, as well as a sense of purpose. Nicoyan centenarians have been the focus of many articles. Meat, fish, and poultry only make up 5% of the usual diet. Blue Zones: Diet, Lifestyle & Tips on How to Live Longer Montezuma is great for long beach walks and jungle hikes. 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. Specifically, the rural landscapes of the Nicoya Peninsula, where people have some of the longest lifespans in the world. There are 5 Blue Zones around the world, one of which is located on the Nicoya Peninsula; the others on the list are Sardinia in Italy, Okinawa in Japan, Loma Linda in the United States, and Icaria, in Greece. The traditional diet in the area is also notable. They wake up. 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. But we must also consider the impact of our individual health and lifestyle choices on future generations. 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 . This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. The template laid out in the Blue Zones Project: natural foods, daily movement, community, and sense of purpose, can help anyone develop stronger immune systems, so they can live healthier and longer lives. 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. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Pablo Jenkins, a regenerative investor and futurist explains that it is a great time to take on that wisdom from the local ancestors and combine it with new regenerative ways of living. Blue Zones: How the Oldest People in the World Make Their Money Last Soltara Healing Center is located on the calm and pristine Gulf of Nicoya in the mountainous jungle of Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula. Take a trip to one of these Blue Zones to learn the secret of living When you book through our trusted partners we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your best bet might be finding a VRBO instead of a hotel. Centenarian Dietary Secrets - The Weston A. Price Foundation Compreende os 5 cantos da Pennsula de Nicoya: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz e Nicoya. Their traditional diet of fortified maize and beans may be the best nutritional combination for longevity the world has ever known. 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. Get some sensible sun. 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. Nicoya, Costa Rica. 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. Buettner had spent several years before penning the article leading expeditions including tracing Darwin's route in the Galapagos and Marco Polo's trip along the Silk Road. Also, the environment just exudes joy. Buettner approached National Geograhic with his idea and they agreed to help fund his research. Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. 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 Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. These geographical areas are considered special, because most people live at least 90 and often over 100 years of age. 4. Pura vida means pure or simple life and Costa Ricas Nicoya Peninsula has what you could call extreme pura vida. O segreto da Zona Azul de Nicoya | Visitar Costa Rica | Costa Rica 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. We can no longer afford to allow the COVID pandemic to cause us to live in or out of a place of fear. Nicoya honey - Blue Zones Nicoya Full of natural beauty, endless sunlight, white beaches and radiant ocean, Nicoya reigns as one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica. 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. 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 Nicoya Peninsula, in Costa Rica, is one of them, . For most Americans, an entrance ramp for a new lifestyle change is through their mouth, Buettner says. Nicoya is located on the Guanacaste peninsula in Costa Rica, and is considered one of the 7 blue zones found worldwide. How many blue zones are in Costa Rica? - 2023 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. Also, we would love to hear your thoughts on Blue Zones and what constitutes a long lifestyle. They find joy in everyday physical chores. Living Hotel partners with the Spacio spa, a five-minute walk away, which has several treatments geared to surfers. Located on the Guanacaste Peninsula in northwestern Costa Rica, Nicoya is a rural, beachside, blue-zone community. Live longer with these dishes from 'blue zones' in America It requires descending 17 yards down a ladder to see cave formations that resemble fried eggs, popcorn, roses, and shark teeth. 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. It is home to some of the most active, hard-working, and friendliest people on earth. Nicoya Peninsula - A Blue Zone In Costa Rica | Villa Firenze Successful centenarians have a strong sense of purpose. It is fascinating to see which factors play into long lifespan including how you can emulate this lifestyle. Try our meal idea that reflects elements of the Nicoyan Peninsula Blue Zoners' diet. That's why this part of Costa Rica is designated a Blue Zone, the term used for just five areas of the world where people live extraordinarily long and vibrant lives. 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. Meaning, family ties are strong. Barra Honda is on the peninsulas northeast about a half hours drive from the town of Nicoya. Dubbed "blue zones," residents of these areas share a common environment and lifestyle that . So, having extra-hard water may help keep Nicoyans' hearts strong, and longer. These cookies do not store any personal information. 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. 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. The Nicoya Peninsula, a Blue Zone in Costa Rica, is renowned for its tranquil, laid-back ambiance. Nantipas special wellness booking includes yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic and sound therapies, and sessions with wellness coaches and personal trainers. For Priscila Chaves, a Costa Rican social tech-entrepreneur and ethics thought leader, the question that still stands is, how can we translate these apparent otherworldly effects, to the rest of us? Another option is to take the 75-minute ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya from Puntarenas to Paquera. This Blue Zone is in the mountains of the Nicoyan Peninsula in western 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. - save 10% Plus other perks . But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. "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." 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. Conzcanos. 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", 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. Healthy Blue Zone Recipes | Best Health Magazine People who have diabetes, heart conditions, or are overweight tend to have a more difficult time if they are infected by COVID-19. In the southern part of the peninsula, Santa Teresa is a popular surf area that sprawls for miles along the coast. Its difficult to maintain family bonds and friendships when school and work take us far from home, into strange communities. One is the plan de vida, or reason to live, which propels a positive outlook among elders and helps keep them active. Blue Zone is a term created by author Dan Buettner, building off of research by demographers Michel Poulain, Ph.D., and Giovanni Pes, Ph.D. English is widely spoken and the town has lots of tourist infrastructure with a wide variety of restaurant and accommodation choices. Are you interested in learning more about the Costa Rica Blue Zone and other zones of the world? Many Nicoyans choose to walk from one destination to another instead of driving. On today's podcast, Gina does some serious myth-busting about what has kept the centenarians so well, for so long. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. My Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Retreat | Costa Rica Experts Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). Try spending quality times with your loved ones. The climate in the Blue Zone is very mild, which may help to protect against diseases. 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. Costa Rica's Blue Zone - Special Places of Costa Rica Contents1 Is Costa Rica considered [] But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. The five blue zones are: Loma Linda, California; Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. This treasure includes the atmosphere around you." . The Nicoya Peninsula is in many ways isolated from the rest of Costa Rica due to geography. Several of Nicoyas beaches like those in the Ostional National Wildlife Reserve are nesting grounds for Kemps Ridley, green, and leatherback turtles. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function.
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