They begin each meal with a prayer. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. 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. Thanks to the peninsula's reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. It is the reason why the founder of Omega Institute set up Blue Spirit in Nosara and a Longevity center. The most amazing part about people who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica is that many of them live without medication or disability. Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! 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. 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. Arising from this need, one of the results of the meeting was the establishment of an International Network on Healthy Aging, which will be led from Costa Rica in order to "build knowledge collaboratively", said Montero. Actually, it is home. Nicoya is located on the Guanacaste peninsula in Costa Rica, and is considered one of the 7 blue zones found worldwide. 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. 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. 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. Rhuigi Villaseor Kept His Foot On The Gas. First . On today's podcast, Gina does some serious myth-busting about what has kept the centenarians so well, for so long. 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. 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. Ed #2798 Oficina #8 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. The peninsula is one of the worlds five Blue Zones where many people live exceptionally long and healthy lives. Tamarindo is also a great place for solo travelers. Complex carbs provide the energy a person needs to get through the day. 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 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. The proper mindset about longevity is not about aspiring to live to a very old age, but to enjoy the best quality of life possible during the last ten years we live, says Alvaro Cedeno-Molinari, a former Costa Rican diplomat and ambassador who works intensely promoting bioliteracy, regeneration, and well-being as holistic healthy mindsets. Face-to-Face Conversations. The centenarians of the Nicoya Peninsula have also captured the interest of the Institute of Social Studies in Population (Instituto de Estudios Sociales en Poblacin, IDESPO) of the National University (Universidad Nacional) of Costa Rica, which is carrying out a study on the subject this year. LIKED THIS? Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! Another option is to take the 75-minute ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya from Puntarenas to Paquera. Get some sensible sun. This calcium leads to stronger bones and the ability to stay physically active at a later age. 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. For most Americans, an entrance ramp for a new lifestyle change is through their mouth, Buettner says. I also suggest watching his TED Talk. 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." Despite that, the area has many of the same ideals that the rest of Costa Ricans have. Maintaining close ties with family and friends helps reduce stress. 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. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. It is believed that one factor which may contribute to the high number of Nicoyan centenarians is the high calcium content in the water. If coming from San Jose, the easiest way to get to the Nicoya Peninsula is to take the ferry from Puntarenas. 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. 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. 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. Staples of the traditional Nicoya diet include homemade corn tortillas, black beans, white rice, a variety of squash, yams, papaya, bananas, and pejibayes. Technology permeates everyday life and Nicoya is the perfect place to go for a digital detox. 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. About two hours down the coast from Tamarindo is Nosara, Nicoyas yoga center (the Nosara Yoga Institute here offers teacher training). A research team is currently researching the . Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. 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. They also practice good physical and mental health. Even in areas like Nicoya, this has been replaced with the ease of processed meals and fast food (although there are very few fast food options in Nicoya in my experience). He finished, stating emphatically "please keep it and put the new generation on the same line in the treasure of this Blue Zone.". This is a BETA experience. 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. 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". 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. 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. This goes along with the decision to widen the country's tourism offerings and venture into industries with high potential, such as wellness tourism. Its also easy to eat healthy in Costa Rica, with its abundance of local foods grown in its fertile volcanic soil. Directions: Toss the cabbage with the orange juice, season with salt and pepper and let sit 30 minutes. These cookies do not store any personal information. 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. Feel free to leave them in the comment section below. He then had the idea to research areas in the world with the longest lifespan. We hope you love the Blue Zone Costa Rica stays we recommend. Toss gently. 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. obesity, or heart disease. Thomas Ramsauer / Shutterstock. 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. Santa Teresa is great for surfing and enjoying a small but vibrant town with a backpacker vibe. Oftentimes, this helps maintain healthy and supportive relationships within their communities, and develop a strong sense of faith and purpose along the way. Rare species like pumas, ocelots, and margay cats make their home here too. Now, visiting Nicoya doesnt mean youll automatically live to 100, but a trip there is likely to put you on the path to pure life thanks to its natural environment and abundance of healthy activities. They feel needed and want to contribute to a greater good. Nantipa means blue in the language of the Chorotega people, some of the first known people to live in the Nicoya region. In mid-November 2017, the first World Meeting of Blue Zones was held. Your best bet might be finding a VRBO instead of a hotel. Another is a focus on family and a special ability to listen and laugh. We do not need to wait for our cities of residence to adopt the principles for healthier living outlined in the Blue Zones Project. One thing I found especially interesting is the idea that this long life span is dying out. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Changing the American diet and culture around the food we eat can help save lives. "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. Everywhere you go in Costa Rica, youll hear pura vida! and soon feel the freedom to adopt the pura vida lifestyle yourself. The forest here is more tropical than further north and is home to deer, pacas, monkeys, armadillos, laughing gulls, pelicans, frigates, and brown boobies. In terms of a definition, these zones are geographical areas with a high concentration of long-lived populations, who frequently reach ninety or one hundred years of age. 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. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. 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. But we must also consider the impact of our individual health and lifestyle choices on future generations. They embrace the relaxed Pura Vida lifestyle and family always comes first. Its very interesting, and I mean, who doesnt love a good TED Talk? So, what's the secret behind our region's long life? I have been exploring the data reported by National Geographic and Dan Buettner in the Blue Zones Solution: . Your email address will not be published. The five blue zones are: Loma Linda, California; Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. [Try this 5-Minute Tasty Squash and Beans for a taste of Costa Rican homecooking.]. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. The Nicoya Peninsula is on Costa Ricas north Pacific coast. While a Blue Zone indicates a hotspot of healthy longevity, it also presents a challenge of how to extend these benefits throughout the population outside of these redoubts. 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 . It's also an area identified as a "Blue Zone . The five known Blue Zones identified in Buettner's book include:. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. They know how to listen, laugh, and appreciate what they have. This information has been translated into lessons that can be implemented into your everyday life. 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. 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. Blue Zones Nicoya desarrolla alimentos, bebidas y suplementos inspirados en los centenarios de la. The agreement was signed by the Vice President of Costa Rica, Ana Helena Chacn, as well as ministries and institutions of the government and the mayors of the cantons of Nicoya Peninsula: Nandayure, Hojancha, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. Nicoyas interior where most of the centenarians and almost-centenarians live and northeastern coast are less visited by tourists but still have much to offer. Look for howler and capuchin monkeys, parrots and parakeets, and bigger birds like herons and hawks. Costa Rica Experts Wins 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers Choice Award, Where to Find Black Sand Beaches in Costa Rica, Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: What to Expect Month by Month, 11 Travel Mistakes To Avoid Before Your Trip, 8 Costa Rica Natural Mysteries You Have to See to Believe, 5 Common Misconceptions About Travel in Costa Rica, 10 Top Costa Rica Honeymoon Bungalows & Suites, 3 Costa Rica Hotels Made The Travel & Leisure Top 100 in the World List, Costa Rica Expert Interview with Aaron Daker: top destinations, new hotels, & best months to travel. 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. Lane cites the impact of COVID-19 on minorities like Blacks and Hispanics throughout Chicago. However, both towns have a more touristy vibe to them. The town of Nicoya is considered the oldest in Costa Rica, it is popularly known as "the colonial city". "The five cantons of the peninsula continue to appear with greater longevity and we've confirmed this everywhere we've investigated. My Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Retreat. Longevity then would not be a luxury only reserved for a few living in Blue Zones, but a reality for billions.. 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. The World Meeting of Blue Zones laid the groundwork, in a spirit of s se puede (yes we can), envisioning a blue Costa Rica, following the example of healthy habits set by more than 900 inhabitants aged 90 or older, and the centenarians of Nicoya Peninsula. 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. It is fascinating to see which factors play into long lifespan including how you can emulate this lifestyle. Hi! All Rights Reserved. Is the Nicoya Peninsula good for a Wellness getaway? Soltara Healing Center is located on the calm and pristine Gulf of Nicoya in the mountainous jungle of Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula. Costa Rica indeed does celebrate its elderly citizens; every person who has a 100 th birthday is . 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. 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. Guest Writer for Wake Up World. Dan discovered five places where residents have low rates of chronic disease and live longer than anywhere else. Not long after, he began to lead trips to the first Blue Zones that he had discovered. The world has a number of 'Blue Zones', areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. Stir in two chopped plum tomatoes, half of a finely chopped onion and one . 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. By Ty and Charlene Bollinger. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. This Central American nation isn't that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. 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). Lane reasons why Chicago should use the Blue Zones template to improve the lives of people who live there. 1 - The Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. 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. Healthy and supportive relationships with friends and family are another one of their keys to longevity. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. 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. It definitely runs contrary to what was written up about the Nicoya people in "The Blue Zones." In that book, their diet was characterized as primarily vegetarian. 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.) Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). Eco-tourism is a natural must in this out-of-this-world scenario, where everything that happens is in a quiet, lovely pace. O segreto da Zona Azul de Nicoya. Fish is a lean protein and provides oils which help with overall brain function. One is the plan de vida, or reason to live, which propels a positive outlook among elders and helps keep them active. Modern Nicoyans roots to the indigenous Chorotega and their traditions have enabled them to remain relatively free of stress. Barra Honda is on the peninsulas northeast about a half hours drive from the town of Nicoya. Nicoya, Costa Rica. Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica: Researchers found that the probability of becoming a centenarian for a 60-year-old man residing in Nicoya is 4.8%, which was even more than double that of Okinawa, the second highest in the comparison, and it was almost seven times that of Sardinia and Japan (6). It includes black beans, cooked plantains, fresh papaya, yams, squash, homemade corn tortillas, and fish (if near the coast). Dubbed "blue zones," residents of these areas share a common environment and lifestyle that . 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. The Peninsula is covered by spectacular beaches that host nature's best. Beyond this context, however, the health authorities are taking measures to help Costa Ricans reach over 80 years of age in good health. And here are two great reports done that will give you a better understanding of the Nicoya people, area, and mindset. Scarlet macaws are bred in Tambor and youll have a chance of seeing them, even on the beach. Read more below about the lessons that Nicoya, Costa Rica can teach you about longevity. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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 . 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. At the southern tip of the peninsula is Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. 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. 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. Having worked with the pioneers in mind-body research and psychoneuroimmunology. I suggest visiting Cabuya (a small town between Montezuma and Santa Teresa) or San Francisco de Coyote (a remote beach town). 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. They have been able to exceed their life expectancy and serve as an example for the entire world. The traditional diet in the area is also notable. Now I was excited to roam off the beaten path into a world-famous Nicoya Peninsula blue zone. Nicoya was introduced as a Blue Zone in a 2004 National Geographic article by Dan Buettner. 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. O que so Zonas Azuis? 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. Contents1 Is Costa Rica considered [] Blue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longest. When Dan Buettner introduced the concept of Blue Zones, he formed the Blue Zones Project. Barrio La California, This is an excerpt fromBlue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longestby Dan Buettner, copyright 2008, all rights reserved. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 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. What are Blue Zones? The most southerly point is Cabo Blanco Reserve and the south coast also has the town of Tambor. Not only do they live longer, their metabolism is better, the levels of cognitive impairment are lower, and they function at a higher level. Warm, Sunny Climate. 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. Are you interested in learning more about the Costa Rica Blue Zone and other zones of the world? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. In parallel, and with the purpose of generating public policies, a Framework Cooperation Agreement in order to establish, promote and support the Blue Zone in the Nicoya Peninsula. Nicoya is famous for being a marvelous playground for surfers all over the world. 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. Nicoyans attribute much of their longevity to social values of faith and family. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. Nicoya, Costa Rica A Latin American Blue Zone. If you want to get underground, Barra Honda National Park has a system of 42 caves and you can explore Terciopelo Cave on a tour. The Adventists are praying. The baby turtles hatch 45 to 54 days later and, if theyre lucky, might live another 50 to 80 years. There are two trails for visitors and a pristine white sand beach. 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? For more information read our privacy policy. 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. 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. They typically do not consume a lot of meat. So, Nicoya is another blue zone in the world alongside Okinawa (Japan), Cerdea (Italia), Icaria (Greece) and Loma Linda (California). Blue zones are regions where some of the oldest and healthiest people live. Go to a soda, thats the name of a small, local caf, and look for casado this popular dish is rice and beans served with vegetables and either fish or meat. Rice and black beans, gallo pinto, served with eggs and tropical fruit. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2008-2023 Law Dissertation Writing Services. They eat many fruits and vegetables often grown on their own lands, and they tend not to consume much meat. The distinguished list included pioneering researchers on this subject: Michel Poulain of Belgium, Dr. Gianni Mario Pes and Paolo Francalacci from Sardinia, Italy, Christina Chrysochoou from Icaria, Greece, Makoto Suzuki from Okinawa, Japan, Gina Siapco from Loma Linda, USA, and Diego Bernardini from Argentina.