Blue zones are regions where some of the oldest and healthiest people live. 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. Actually, it is home. 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. They wake up. On today's podcast, Gina does some serious myth-busting about what has kept the centenarians so well, for so long. Also, calcium is important for bones. We must make the health of future generations our responsibility by implementing the lifestyles of the Blue Zones people now. 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. He finished, stating emphatically "please keep it and put the new generation on the same line in the treasure of this Blue Zone.". A research team is currently researching the . Many of us in Western countries know we need to eat less junk and add more natural food to our diets. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. Longevity then would not be a luxury only reserved for a few living in Blue Zones, but a reality for billions.. Theyre focused on sick care, and so the actual healthcare is often neglected, says Chaves. The Peninsula is covered by spectacular beaches that host nature's best. First . This Blue Zone is in the mountains of the Nicoyan Peninsula in western Costa Rica. Buettner's studies on the Nicoya Peninsula revealed eight key factors that affect people's life expectancy. 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. Beyond this context, however, the health authorities are taking measures to help Costa Ricans reach over 80 years of age in good health. That means family ties are the backbone for most peoples existence. 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. Blue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longest. 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. March 2nd, 2023. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. This Central American nation isnt that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. Your email address will not be published. We can no longer afford to allow the COVID pandemic to cause us to live in or out of a place of fear. We are always happy to help you out! In other words, people in these zones to live longer than any other areas in the world. Cities throughout the world can use this template to encourage people to live healthier lives. When Dan Buettner introduced the concept of Blue Zones, he formed the Blue Zones Project. It is also one of the world's Blue Zones. 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." Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. They know how to listen, laugh, and appreciate what they have. 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. These regions are considered Blue Zones. Face-to-Face Conversations. The most amazing part about people who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica is that many of them live without medication or disability. The Adobe Rent-A-Car discount includes.. DISCOUNTED SMARTPHONE USAGE WITH UNLIMITED DATA. Black bean starter To a small pot over medium-low heat, add one can of rinsed black beans. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. Nicoyan centenarians tend to live with their families, and children or grandchildren provide support and a sense of purpose and belonging. 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. Maintaining close ties with family and friends helps reduce stress. Contents1 Is Costa Rica considered [] 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. 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. At the southern tip of the peninsula is Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. 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. Costa Rica indeed does celebrate its elderly citizens; every person who has a 100 th birthday is . 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. Drain and pat the onions dry with paper towel. 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. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. Everywhere you go in Costa Rica, youll hear pura vida! and soon feel the freedom to adopt the pura vida lifestyle yourself. These places are full of one-hundred-year-olds who have reached such like live wires, not in bed or in hospital. Not long after, he began to lead trips to the first Blue Zones that he had discovered. Rare species like pumas, ocelots, and margay cats make their home here too. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. By Ty and Charlene Bollinger. Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. Here you will find some of the most beautiful beaches and hotels in Costa Rica, along with lush tropical forests perfect for hiking or horseback riding. Another option is to take the 75-minute ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya from Puntarenas to Paquera. They also practice good physical and mental health. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. 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. Nicoya is a small, rural beach community located on the Guanacaste peninsula on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. 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. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. 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. It is believed that one factor which may contribute to the high number of Nicoyan centenarians is the high calcium content in the water. The Tortuga Islands are offshore and are a frequent destination for snorkeling trips, even from other parts of the peninsula. There are five areas of the world that meet the qualifications of Blue Zone as defined by Buettner. 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 supplement your diet and make sure youre getting enough of this vital nutrient. Read more below about the lessons that Nicoya, Costa Rica can teach you about longevity. LIKED THIS? While we may not increase the average life expectancy throughout the world we can use Nicoya as a template for healthier living. Costa Rica Experts 2023. "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." The reason why they are called "blue zones" is a curious story He worked with several notable anthropolgists, dieticians, historians, and geneticists to identify and further understand what contributes to a long lifespan. The five known Blue Zones identified in Buettner's book include:. Now I was excited to roam off the beaten path into a world-famous Nicoya Peninsula blue zone. According to researchers, most inhabitants live to at least the age of 90. 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. And here are two great reports done that will give you a better understanding of the Nicoya people, area, and mindset. If youre eating a standard American diet, its probably shaving about six to 10 years off of your life expectancy, Buettner says. For more information read our privacy policy. Staples of the traditional Nicoya diet include homemade corn tortillas, black beans, white rice, a variety of squash, yams, papaya, bananas, and pejibayes. Having worked with the pioneers in mind-body research and psychoneuroimmunology. It consists of 100 recipes with ingredients used by those who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica and the other four Blue Zones. howler and white face monkeys, red variegated squirrels, sloths, anteaters, raccoon-like coatis, butterflies, plus some 900 bird species including the fiery-billed aracari toucan and the rufous-tailed hummingbird. In a few, unique communities around the globe, people live long and heathy lives, up to and past 100. This Central American nation isn't that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. 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. Get some sensible sun. 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". 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. 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). In other words, it lives longer than the average global life expectancy. The gateway to the Nicoya Peninsula is the beach town of Tamarindo on the west coast, which is very popular with international travelers. Learn more about typical diet with our Guide to Costa Rican Food. Going down the west coast from Tamarindo youll find several beach towns, most notably yoga center Nosara and surfers paradise Santa Teresa. Montezuma: Best Hotels in Costa Rica. Getting up in the air on tree canopy tours via ziplines and rope bridges is popular throughout Costa Rica. 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. They typically do not consume a lot of meat. This is a BETA experience. If coming from San Jose, the easiest way to get to the Nicoya Peninsula is to take the ferry from Puntarenas. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! uma atrativa pergunta explica que os habitantes de Guanacaste e sim dvida contar com uma das cinco que existem no mundo um orgulho para todos os habitantes da provincia. First and foremost, the competition to get ahead isnt the same here as it is in some other western countries. You can drive to Tamarindo in about 80 minutes from the Liberia airport (its about four hours from Costa Ricas other main airport in the capital, San Jos). 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. Nicoya, Costa Rica, is a Central American Caribbean nation that boasts economic security and excellent health care. To my delight, Costa Rica has its own Blue Zone - the Nicoya Peninsula! This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. We do not need to wait for our cities of residence to adopt the principles for healthier living outlined in the Blue Zones Project. Nantipas special wellness booking includes yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic and sound therapies, and sessions with wellness coaches and personal trainers. They embrace the relaxed Pura Vida lifestyle and family always comes first. Also, the environment just exudes joy. 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. The world has 5 recognized Blue Zones (as determined by the authority of National Geographic ). 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. 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. Centenarians seem to have enjoyed physical work of all their lives. There are other blue zones in California, Italy, Greece, and Japan. Meat, fish, and poultry only make up 5% of the usual diet. Still planning? The chance to do yoga in an open-air pavilion on the beach is not to be missed! One of the world's Blue Zones is in Nicoya, Costa Rica. 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. 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. Barra Honda is on the peninsulas northeast about a half hours drive from the town of Nicoya. Nicoyan centenarians get frequent visits from neighbors. Compreende os 5 cantos da Pennsula de Nicoya: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz e Nicoya. Meaning, family ties are strong. 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. This vigorous village is one of the Blue Zones' unique hotspots. People often consider the impact of global decisions on future generations through legislation. Nicoyans attribute much of their longevity to social values of faith and family. Hi, my name is Mike Gillespie & I'm fundraising to help support the Blue Zone communities in Nicoya Costa Rica. It includes black beans, cooked plantains, fresh papaya, yams, squash, homemade corn tortillas, and fish (if near the coast). Look for howler and capuchin monkeys, parrots and parakeets, and bigger birds like herons and hawks. People who have diabetes, heart conditions, or are overweight tend to have a more difficult time if they are infected by COVID-19. "The five cantons of the peninsula continue to appear with greater longevity and we've confirmed this everywhere we've investigated. Poor communities are notorious for living in food deserts. The information and example set by the inhabitants of the Blue Zone of Nicoya are highly valuable, and some of the life habits can be emulated, planting a blue seed throughout the country. 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. 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. The peninsula is one of the worlds five Blue Zones where many people live exceptionally long and healthy lives. 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. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. Surprisingly, happiness and keeping a focus on family are two of the main components. A nine-hole golf course is a mile away. They feel needed and want to contribute to a greater good. 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. Nicoya, Costa Rica. Stir in two chopped plum tomatoes, half of a finely chopped onion and one . 4. The traditional diet in the area is also notable. These include Nicoya, Costa Rica; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece . O segreto da Zona Azul de Nicoya. Eating fewer calories appears to be one of the surest ways to add years to your life. Your email address will not be published. Nosara also has three beaches remote black sand Playa Nosara, Playa Guiones with some of Costa Ricas best surfing, and Playa Pelada for tide pools, blow holes, snorkeling, and swimming. Protein helps to rebuild and repair tissue, as well as it helps a person to feel full. 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. They find joy in everyday physical chores. For those who might need some meal ideas, Dan Buettner, wrote the Blue Zones Kitchen cookbook. 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). Research shows that 30% of longevity comes from genes, and the remaining 70% from lifestyle. If we can harness that, we can hopefully improve the health of future generations. 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. These commitments also included mechanisms to develop best practices in health promotion in the "five blue cantons" of the Peninsula, strengthening support networks, and incentivizing the recuperation of life lessons and traditions. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. 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. Offering barefoot luxury on Playa Langosta this family-owned boutique hotel is a 15-minute walk from downtown Tamarindo. Their traditional diet of fortified maize and beans may be the best nutritional combination for longevity the world has ever known. Because of this, they enjoy extremely low rates of heart disease. A "Blue Zone" is an area of the world where it is typical for people to live past 100 years old. Despite that, the area has many of the same ideals that the rest of Costa Ricans have. Fish is a lean protein and provides oils which help with overall brain function. About two hours down the coast from Tamarindo is Nosara, Nicoyas yoga center (the Nosara Yoga Institute here offers teacher training). Lane cites the impact of COVID-19 on minorities like Blacks and Hispanics throughout Chicago. 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. 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. This is an excerpt fromBlue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longestby Dan Buettner, copyright 2008, 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.