Also, we would love to hear your thoughts on Blue Zones and what constitutes a long lifestyle. Black beans contain high doses of antioxidants and they are eaten for almost every meal among Nicoyans (and most Costa Ricans). 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. It is believed that one factor which may contribute to the high number of Nicoyan centenarians is the high calcium content in the water. All Rights Reserved. Ministry of Health data indicate that life expectancy is nearly 80 years, which is the highest in Central America, according to the World Bank. 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". This Central American nation isnt that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. Pura vida means pure or simple life and Costa Ricas Nicoya Peninsula has what you could call extreme pura vida. Costa Rica Experts 2023. 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. Its very interesting, and I mean, who doesnt love a good TED Talk? These include Nicoya, Costa Rica; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece . These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Loma Linda, California. By Ty and Charlene Bollinger. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. Most residents here live to be over the age of 90 and there's a high number of centenarians as well. - save 10% Plus other perks . Cities throughout the world can use this template to encourage people to live healthier lives. This Central American nation isn't that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. Are We Headed To A World In Which We Own Nothing? Most people in this area never move. 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. Directions: Toss the cabbage with the orange juice, season with salt and pepper and let sit 30 minutes. It helps them remain positive. The term first emerged in 2005 in a Nation Geographic magazine cover, "The Secrets of a Long Life.". We have a full guide to the ferry here. The Nicoyan way of life can enlighten people to make choices that will help to increase their life expectancy. 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. seen in blue zones. The Adobe Rent-A-Car discount includes.. DISCOUNTED SMARTPHONE USAGE WITH UNLIMITED DATA. "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." obesity, or heart disease. The forest here is more tropical than further north and is home to deer, pacas, monkeys, armadillos, laughing gulls, pelicans, frigates, and brown boobies. We hope you love the Blue Zone Costa Rica stays we recommend. 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. 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. LIKED THIS? What Is The Potential Of Generative AI In Healthcare? Nicoya, Costa Rica. Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). The reason why they are called "blue zones" is a curious story A blue zone is a geographical area in which the population is the longest-lived. 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. The surroundings dictate ways of operating, not personal decisions. [Try this 5-Minute Tasty Squash and Beans for a taste of Costa Rican homecooking.]. You may opt-out by. Physical activity, diet, good mineral-rich water, friends, a satisfying job, eating light in the evening, and a "plan de vida" are the other aspects. You can hike along trails, go horseback riding, kayak through the mangroves, and swim off the beach. Oftentimes, this helps maintain healthy and supportive relationships within their communities, and develop a strong sense of faith and purpose along the way. Nantipa means blue in the language of the Chorotega people, some of the first known people to live in the Nicoya region. It is also one of the world's Blue Zones. They find joy in everyday physical chores. Meaning, family ties are strong. The international attendees also included Dan Buettner, a reporter and researcher for National Geographic, who has been responsible for popularizing the concept of Blue Zones through the publication of various articles and best-selling books that explore the direct connection between this issue and diet, spirituality, purpose in life and physical exercise, with happiness as a cross-cutting element. Living Hotel partners with the Spacio spa, a five-minute walk away, which has several treatments geared to surfers. Wildlife is abundant. These cantons are: Carillo, Hojancha, Nicoya, Santa Cruz, and Nandoyure. When you book through our trusted partners we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Longevity then would not be a luxury only reserved for a few living in Blue Zones, but a reality for billions.. The Power of Nine is the name Buetnner has given to the characteristics that all Blue Zones seem to share. Try opting to walk places instead of driving. Rhuigi Villaseor Kept His Foot On The Gas. Nicoyans eat a light dinner early in the evening. The five blue zones are: Loma Linda, California; Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. 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. 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. So, what's the secret behind our region's long life? 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. The expat community in Coco is generally older retirees, however, there are some younger expats running around. O segreto da Zona Azul de Nicoya. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. Sign up for theBLUE ZONES free weekly email where webring youexclusive interviews, cutting edge longevity news, and fresh tips for living longer, better. 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. I will be visiting Costa Rica next week to meet with Jorge who founded a local organization that helps the small Blue Zone villages. They have groups of friend with whom they share healthy habits.". Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *, car rental deal! Nicoya is located on the Guanacaste peninsula in Costa Rica, and is considered one of the 7 blue zones found worldwide. Hi, my name is Mike Gillespie & I'm fundraising to help support the Blue Zone communities in Nicoya Costa Rica. Who knows, maybe it will change your life! I cant blame you. The Nicoya Peninsula, a Blue Zone in Costa Rica, is renowned for its tranquil, laid-back ambiance. Costa Rica is known for its pura vida lifestyle and attitude. A "Blue Zone" is an area of the world where it is typical for people to live past 100 years old. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. 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. Fish is a lean protein and provides oils which help with overall brain function. Not long after, he began to lead trips to the first Blue Zones that he had discovered. 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. The peninsula is one of the worlds five Blue Zones where many people live exceptionally long and healthy 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. It is the reason why the founder of Omega Institute set up Blue Spirit in Nosara and a Longevity center. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. One of the five designated blue zones in the world, the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica features residents who live even longer than those in the rest of the country. The Ikarians and the Ikaria is another one of the Blue Zones, and the Costa Ricans, Nicoya, they're taking a nap. The five known Blue Zones identified in Buettner's book include:. Another option is to take the 75-minute ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya from Puntarenas to Paquera. Jorge Vindas, Costa Ricas Blue Zone expert, says that its a combination of good genes, healthy food and water, regular low-intensity exercise, few vices, a strong connection to family, putting importance on religion or spirituality, and having a sense of purpose. Try our meal idea that reflects elements of the Nicoyan Peninsula Blue Zoners' diet. Out of these, 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. When that day comes, Nicoyas Blue Zone will continue to be an example of the resiliency of the human body and spirit. Toss gently. Lets explore the Blue Zone in Nicoya, Costa Rica and what the Nicoyan lifestyle can teach us about humanity and what we could do better in the future. Moais are a powerful social tradition that create feelings of belonging, purpose and security. If you want to really embrace the Nicoya Peninsula blue zone vibe, head to any small village in the area. The climate in the Blue Zone is very mild, which may help to protect against diseases. Or, get your zen on at La Senda, the wellness center on a 74-acre forested property near Tamarindo. . For those who might need some meal ideas, Dan Buettner, wrote the Blue Zones Kitchen cookbook. These regions are considered Blue Zones. They wake up. I feel lucky to have found this information, though the credit doesn't belong to me, but rather to the older residents. None of these staples are processed, and because all of these foods are locally grown they are not faced with genetically modified or pesticide laden produce. The most southerly point is Cabo Blanco Reserve and the south coast also has the town of Tambor. 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 For one, Costa Rica is a small country and most people never move away from the area they were born in. 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. 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. Nicoyans attribute much of their longevity to social values of faith and family. 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. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. So, having extra-hard water may help keep Nicoyans' hearts strong, and longer. Moderate alcohol intake, especially wine. The term 'Blue Zone' was coined by Dan Buettner, a New York Times bestselling author, who was studying areas to some of the oldest people in the world. And here are two great reports done that will give you a better understanding of the Nicoya people, area, and mindset. Lane reported isolation, alienation, and high rates of depression in Chicagos poorest neighborhoods as some of the reasons behind the high rates of COVID cases. Rooms have a mini fridge and theres a communal kitchen plus bikes to rent. Soltara Healing Center is located on the calm and pristine Gulf of Nicoya in the mountainous jungle of Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula. Black bean starter To a small pot over medium-low heat, add one can of rinsed black beans. In an article in the Chicagoan, Marc J. 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. Contents1 Is Costa Rica considered [] Montezuma is great for long beach walks and jungle hikes. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. For those that don't know, there are a few communities around the globe where people live long and healthy lives, up to and past 100, dubbed "blue zones." It requires descending 17 yards down a ladder to see cave formations that resemble fried eggs, popcorn, roses, and shark teeth. We are always happy to help you out! There are plenty of good-for-you activities to keep you busy on the Nicoya Peninsula jump in the water with a surfboard or snorkel, get up high on a zipline, stretch out with a yoga class, or take a hike (call it forest bathing if you wish) in a nature reserve. That sense of purpose drives them in all aspects of their lives. "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. There are five regions around the world called the Blue Zones: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece, and Loma Linda, California. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average lifespan is 85 among the world's highest. I suggest visiting Cabuya (a small town between Montezuma and Santa Teresa) or San Francisco de Coyote (a remote beach town). On today's podcast, Gina does some serious myth-busting about what has kept the centenarians so well, for so long. Barrio La California, For more information read our privacy policy. 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. Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! For most Americans, an entrance ramp for a new lifestyle change is through their mouth, Buettner says. 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. Tamarindo is the most popular destination for international visitors with its golden beaches, many with consistent and gentle surfing waves, and nearby national parks and wildlife refuges. Another is a focus on family and a special ability to listen and laugh. While Nicoyans start their day by eating a healthy breakfast, their diet is not the only secret to living long lives. 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. January 18, 2022 . The Nicoya Peninsula is in many ways isolated from the rest of Costa Rica due to geography. For just over 15 years he has been monitoring and accompanying the long-lived people that . 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. It is not unusual for many generations to live on one property or in very close proximity to each other. Nicoya is a small, rural beach community located on the Guanacaste peninsula on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. Try cutting out some meat and replacing it with fresh vegetables and fruit. The Nicoya Peninsula, in Costa Rica, is one of them, . 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. Without a doubt, this is a challenge for the next generations, in the context of the world's age pyramid turning upside down, with ever more senior citizens. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. Compreende os 5 cantos da Pennsula de Nicoya: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz e Nicoya. We must make the health of future generations our responsibility by implementing the lifestyles of the Blue Zones people now. 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. Meat, fish, and poultry only make up 5% of the usual 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. 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. Win-win! At the southern tip of the peninsula is Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Here are some of the factors that make Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula a blue zone worth visiting. The beautiful view of the beaches may also have a hand in this. It is home to some of the most active, hard-working, and friendliest people on earth. However, both towns have a more touristy vibe to them. English is widely spoken and the town has lots of tourist infrastructure with a wide variety of restaurant and accommodation choices. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. As of now, there are 5 blue zones: Icaria, Greece. This vigorous village is one of the Blue Zones' unique hotspots. 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. 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. 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). The most popular towns to visit here are Montezuma and Santa Teresa. Predominantly catering to families, this 402-room property has four restaurants, including for surf and turf and Japanese, two pools, a nightclub, and a 200-seat amphitheater. That means family ties are the backbone for most peoples existence. 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. And a breakfast rich with antioxidants helps to protect a persons cells from disease. Several of Nicoyas beaches like those in the Ostional National Wildlife Reserve are nesting grounds for Kemps Ridley, green, and leatherback turtles. "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. 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. 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. WED LOVE IF YOUD ADD IT ON PINTEREST! 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. In the Nicoya Peninsula, the water is particularly rich in calcium and magnesium which studies show is good for cardiovascular health and preventing cancer. 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. When Dan Buettner introduced the concept of Blue Zones, he formed the Blue Zones Project. 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. Nicoyan centenarians tend to live with their families, and children or grandchildren provide support and a sense of purpose and belonging. All rights reserved. To my delight, Costa Rica has its own Blue Zone - the Nicoya Peninsula! Your best bet might be finding a VRBO instead of a hotel. 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. He has written numerous books on the topic, but I suggest starting with: Blue Zones of Happiness and The Blue Zones Kitchen (a cookbook). 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. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. These characteristics are: Despite this, it is believed that 30% of a long healthy life comes from genes and 70% is based on lifestyle. Nicoyans often live more than 100 years and Nicoya boasts of the highest number of centenarians in the world. Possessing the highest density of biodiversity of any country in the world, it is also labeled as one of the 5 "blue zones", a term coined by National Geographic author Dan Buettner, describing places where a high percentage of the population lives active . Rare species like pumas, ocelots, and margay cats make their home here too. Blue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longest. Montezuma: Best Hotels in Costa Rica. The traditional diet in the area is also notable. 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. All of the international experts agreed that the factors that make healthy longevity possible must be communicated worldwide, in order to reflect on the implications of Blue Zones, unique geographical areas with a high concentration of inhabitants who live to ninety or one hundred years of age, whose aging process is positive, and most importantly, deliberate and active. Heres how to plan a trip to the Blue Zone in Costa Rica. A nine-hole golf course is a mile away. In mid-November 2017, the first World Meeting of Blue Zones was held. For the first time ever, the world's most prominent researchers shared their knowledge and most recent research on the topic of Blue Zones. Research shows that 30% of longevity comes from genes, and the remaining 70% from lifestyle. By encouraging Nicoyans belief community and sense of purpose through work, family, or nature, cities could help their poorest thrive. 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. 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. My fourth investigation into exactly what our Blue Zone folks eat has left this dietitian, well, intrigued. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, Look for howler and capuchin monkeys, parrots and parakeets, and bigger birds like herons and hawks. They feel needed, and their daily lives revolve around their family and community. In these areas people have low rates of chronic diseases, so they tend to live longer than in other places. Still planning? La Senda has a 2.5-acre labyrinth with a two-mile-long path (said to be the biggest in the world) as well as horseback riding. The town of Nosara, located in the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica, is a surfing and wellness hot spot located in one of the five "blue zones" in the world. Successful centenarians have a strong sense of purpose. It was time for me to conquer the Nicoya Peninsula. There will be a lot to learn and a lot to do to get back to a healthier normal. This provides the nutrition they need to work hard during the day. 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). Technology permeates everyday life and Nicoya is the perfect place to go for a digital detox. Hi! The gateway to the Nicoya Peninsula is the beach town of Tamarindo on the west coast, which is very popular with international travelers. They have been able to exceed their life expectancy and serve as an example for the entire world. It is not unusual for several generations to gather on a regular basis for lively gatherings. Nicoya. 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. We're going to focus on the last one, mostly because it hits close to home. 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. The way Nicoyans choose to live their lives gives us a template from which we can learn to improve our health and find our sense of purpose. They eat many fruits and vegetables often grown on their own lands, and they tend not to consume much meat. The volcanic beach has calm swimming in Bahia Ballena (despite the name, whales are no longer frequent visitors), and theres birdwatching and hiking along the Rio Panica. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Nicoya, Costa Rica. They know how to listen, laugh, and appreciate what they have. 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).