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). Poor communities are notorious for living in food deserts. The quality of Nicoyas water might be one of the reasons residents live long enough to become centenarians and almost-centenarians. 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. These centenarians help teach us the value of those important little things," said Mauricio Ventura, Minister of Tourism, with pride. Lane cites the impact of COVID-19 on minorities like Blacks and Hispanics throughout Chicago. Why People Live So Long On Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula - TravelAwaits 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. 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. Thanks to the peninsula's reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. They are eye-opening and heart-tugging. Ed #2798 Oficina #8 It's also an area identified as a "Blue Zone . I'm a Chief Metaverse Officer and a web3 luxury and fashion innovator. This trend has been here for many years, but I was the one to notice this special feature in the data," said Bixby, a pioneer in longevity research. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. Learn more about typical diet with our Guide to Costa Rican Food. 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." But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. It remains to be seen if the COVID pandemic will affect that average. 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. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The Tortuga Islands are offshore and are a frequent destination for snorkeling trips, even from other parts of the peninsula. Also, the environment just exudes joy. 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. They have a simplistic lifestyle - Nicoyans ordinarily make a living as farmers and or cattle ranchers, and this consistent activity is said to be one of the reasons for their longevity. They have groups of friend with whom they share healthy habits.". Plantains are high in potassium, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. The waters around the Nicoya Peninsula are also home to several species of fish including tuna and red snapper. Try cutting out some meat and replacing it with fresh vegetables and fruit. The world has a number of Blue Zones, areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. Nantipa means blue in the language of the Chorotega people, some of the first known people to live in the Nicoya region. 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. Loma Linda, California. On today's podcast, Gina does some serious myth-busting about what has kept the centenarians so well, for so long. 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. We can start making healthier choices today, thus living more enriching lives and encouraging others to adopt similar healthy ways of living. However, both towns have a more touristy vibe to them. Down on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica's Blue Zone, visitors can book into a yoga retreat, eat freshly caught fish, go surfing and ride horses along the beach. The daily breakfast consists of gallo pinto (rice and beans) with a basket of homemade corn tortillas and hot coffee. These Blue Zones have a direct link to the promotion of tourism in the country, since it fits in well wellness tourism. But we must also consider the impact of our individual health and lifestyle choices on future generations. The Nicoyan way of life can enlighten people to make choices that will help to increase their life expectancy. Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). "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. Pura vida means pure or simple life and Costa Ricas Nicoya Peninsula has what you could call extreme pura vida. Compreende os 5 cantos da Pennsula de Nicoya: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz e Nicoya. The Nicoya Peninsula has five cantons where middle-age morality is lowest and centenarians are the most abundant. BOOK YOUR COSTA RICA RENTAL CAR AND SAVE 10%. 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. First . Now is the time for cities like Chicago to learn from the five Blue Zones throughout the world like Nicoya, Costa Rica. Sign up for theBLUE ZONES free weekly email where webring youexclusive interviews, cutting edge longevity news, and fresh tips for living longer, better. Why is Costa Rica a blue zone? - 2023 - fiosdl.hioctanefuel.com Buettner approached National Geograhic with his idea and they agreed to help fund his research. There will be a lot to learn and a lot to do to get back to a healthier normal. They know how to listen, laugh, and appreciate what they have. 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). Full of natural beauty, endless sunlight, white beaches and radiant ocean, Nicoya reigns as one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica. The Power of Nutrition (Part 3): The Blue Zones Physicians There are two trails for visitors and a pristine white sand beach. That sense of purpose drives them in all aspects of their lives. A "Blue Zone" is a region of the world where people commonly live past the age of 100 years.In "Blue Zone Nicoya Peninsula", residents live even longer than those in other areas of Costa Rica. The world has a number of 'Blue Zones', areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. 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. Nicoyas west and south coasts are the most popular for visitors and offer a wide range of accommodations and access to the peninsulas wilderness and activities. He finished, stating emphatically "please keep it and put the new generation on the same line in the treasure of this Blue Zone.". If you want to really embrace the Nicoya Peninsula blue zone vibe, head to any small village in the area. Along with starting every morning with a healthy breakfast, Nicoyans also eat nutritious food throughout the day. Nicoyan centenarians get frequent visits from neighbors. These cantons are: Carillo, Hojancha, Nicoya, Santa Cruz, and Nandoyure. If we can harness that, we can hopefully improve the health of future generations. The world has 5 recognized Blue Zones (as determined by the authority of National Geographic ). 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). 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 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. Black beans contain high doses of antioxidants and they are eaten for almost every meal among Nicoyans (and most Costa Ricans). Alternatively, Blue. The forest here is more tropical than further north and is home to deer, pacas, monkeys, armadillos, laughing gulls, pelicans, frigates, and brown boobies. Nicoya is located on the Guanacaste peninsula in Costa Rica, and is considered one of the 7 blue zones found worldwide. Barra Honda is on the peninsulas northeast about a half hours drive from the town of Nicoya. Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. 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). 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. Having worked with the pioneers in mind-body research and psychoneuroimmunology. Moderate alcohol intake, especially wine. Nicoyan centenarians tend to live with their families, and children or grandchildren provide support and a sense of purpose and belonging. We have obtained information from Nicoya, Costa Rica on ways to live longer and be happier. Guest Writer for Wake Up World. O que so Zonas Azuis? Water sports are on offer pretty much everywhere along Nicoyas coast, whether you prefer surfing, kayaking, standup paddleboarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, or just checking out whats happening in the tide pools. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. What Costa Rica's Blue Zone Can Teach Us About The Future Of - Forbes Try opting to walk places instead of driving. What Is The Potential Of Generative AI In Healthcare? Nicoya was introduced as a Blue Zone in a 2004 National Geographic article by Dan Buettner. Complex carbs provide the energy a person needs to get through the day. Montezuma is great for long beach walks and jungle hikes. We hope you love the Blue Zone Costa Rica stays we recommend. The climate in the Blue Zone is very mild, which may help to protect against diseases. Blue Zones: Why Residents in the Nicoya Peninsula Live Longer than 90 Years 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. This Central American nation isn't that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. Black bean starter To a small pot over medium-low heat, add one can of rinsed black beans. For more information read our privacy policy. These include Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece, and you guessed it; Nicoya, Costa Rica. If youre eating a standard American diet, its probably shaving about six to 10 years off of your life expectancy, Buettner says. Get to Know Costa Rica's Blue Zone: The Nicoya Peninsula March 2nd, 2023. Dan discovered five places where residents have low rates of chronic disease and live longer than anywhere else. They find joy in everyday physical chores. Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! 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. This goes along with the decision to widen the country's tourism offerings and venture into industries with high potential, such as wellness tourism. The Nicoya Peninsula is in many ways isolated from the rest of Costa Rica due to geography. Sardinia, Italy. 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. The five blue zones are: Loma Linda, California; Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; and the Nicoya Peninsula in 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. 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. Eco-tourism is a natural must in this out-of-this-world scenario, where everything that happens is in a quiet, lovely pace. In other words, people in these zones to live longer than any other areas in the world. 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. 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. For most of their lives, Nicoyan centenarians ate a traditional Mesoamerican diet highlighted with the three sisters of agriculture: squash, corn, and beans. Cala Luna won most innovative wellness hotel from the Global Beauty & Wellness Awards thanks to daily complimentary wellness activities like hatha yoga, bikes to borrow, farm-to-table cuisine (from La Sendas farm) with organic and biodynamic wines, and the innovative treatments at its Lahari Wellness Center spa. Of course, there is still a desire for success (especially in the cities) but in general, the priorities are shifted. You may opt-out by. He then went on release a book The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who Have Lived the Longest in 2008. Old people often have too little calcium in their bodies. 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. Also, we would love to hear your thoughts on Blue Zones and what constitutes a long lifestyle. Your best bet might be finding a VRBO instead of a hotel. And a breakfast rich with antioxidants helps to protect a persons cells from disease. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. People from Nicoya enjoy an ample dose of Vitamin D. They spend most of their time outside tending to the land and enjoy a healthy relationship with surrounding nature. Add the red onions, sliced radishes, tomatoes, orange supremes, cilantro and 3 tablespoons oil to the cabbage. Theyre focused on sick care, and so the actual healthcare is often neglected, says Chaves. Centenarian Dietary Secrets - The Weston A. Price Foundation 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.) "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. Where are the world's Blue Zones located? 4. 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. 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. Perhaps youll also figure out your lifes purpose, which studies show contributes to a longer and higher quality life, and make the effort to reconnect with family whether youve brought them with you or will see them again once youre home. 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. 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. They embrace the relaxed Pura Vida lifestyle and family always comes first. 15 Reasons Expats Love Living In The Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica 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. He has written numerous books on the topic, but I suggest starting with: Blue Zones of Happiness and The Blue Zones Kitchen (a cookbook).