mobile app. We can no longer afford to allow the COVID pandemic to cause us to live in or out of a place of fear. Alternatively, Blue. 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. 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 expat community in Coco is generally older retirees, however, there are some younger expats running around. Though Chicago is not one of those cities that uses the template outlined in the Blue Zones Project, the city could adapt to the Blue Zones principals. 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. Montezuma is located on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula making it an ideal place to stay when exploring this unique part of 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. There are five areas of the world that meet the qualifications of Blue Zone as defined by Buettner. Whether this pandemic impacts the average lifespan of people around the world or not, a lot can be gained by studying five specific regions in the world where people seemingly effortlessly live to over 90 years in age. Though Costa Rica has just 0.03 percent of the planets surface, it has almost six percent of the worlds biodiversity and you might see (or hear!) 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. These geographical areas are considered special, because most people live at least 90 and often over 100 years of age. Nicoyans often live more than 100 years and Nicoya boasts of the highest number of centenarians in the world. Loma Linda, California. Conzcanos. The world has a number of Blue Zones, areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. Nicoyan centenarians tend to live with their families, and children or grandchildren provide support and a sense of purpose and belonging. 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. My Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Retreat | Costa Rica Experts A research team is currently researching the . March 2nd, 2023. Why are Costa Rica and Singapore Two of the Happiest - Blue Zones This calcium leads to stronger bones and the ability to stay physically active at a later age. 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. Full of natural beauty, endless sunlight, white beaches and radiant ocean, Nicoya reigns as one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica. 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. Are you interested in learning more about the Costa Rica Blue Zone and other zones of the world? The Adobe Rent-A-Car discount includes.. DISCOUNTED SMARTPHONE USAGE WITH UNLIMITED DATA. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. 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 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. 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. To my delight, Costa Rica has its own Blue Zone - the Nicoya Peninsula! Living the Pure Life in Nicoya, Costa Rica - Viva Tropical Long-living creatures like sea turtles are frequent visitors to the Blue Zone too. 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. 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. In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average life span is 85among the world's highest. One of the world's Blue Zones is in Nicoya, Costa Rica. They have been able to exceed their life expectancy and serve as an example for the entire world. The term first emerged in 2005 in a Nation Geographic magazine cover, "The Secrets of a Long Life.". If we can harness that, we can hopefully improve the health of future generations. 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. 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. Cities throughout the world can use this template to encourage people to live healthier lives. When that day comes, Nicoyas Blue Zone will continue to be an example of the resiliency of the human body and spirit. 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. When Dan Buettner introduced the concept of Blue Zones, he formed the Blue Zones Project. "The five cantons of the peninsula continue to appear with greater longevity and we've confirmed this everywhere we've investigated. Nantipa means blue in the language of the Chorotega people, some of the first known people to live in the Nicoya region. Do you have any questions about the Costa Rica Blue Zone? Oftentimes, this helps maintain healthy and supportive relationships within their communities, and develop a strong sense of faith and purpose along the way. He then had the idea to research areas in the world with the longest lifespan. Blue Zones: How The World's Oldest People Make Their Money Last - Forbes Learn more about typical diet with our Guide to Costa Rican Food. Now is the time for cities like Chicago to learn from the five Blue Zones throughout the world like Nicoya, Costa Rica. El propsito de la compaa es promover y crear conciencia sobre el consumo de productos de alta calidad, con valor nutricional y . Report from the 'Blue Zone': Why Do People Live Long in Costa Rica? Inadequate calcium means weak muscles -- including the heart. It was time for me to conquer the Nicoya Peninsula. Required fields are marked *, car rental deal! Located on the Guanacaste Peninsula in northwestern Costa Rica, Nicoya is a rural, beachside, blue-zone community. On the peninsulas southeast coast is Tambor, with Nicoyas most southerly airport. 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). For most of their lives, Nicoyan centenarians ate a traditional Mesoamerican diet highlighted with the three sisters of agriculture: squash, corn, and beans. Nearby are waterfalls at Montezuma, ziplining near the Cabo Blanco Reserve, and kite surfing. 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. Live longer with these dishes from 'blue zones' in America 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. Almost 40 percent of the residents of the Nicoya Peninsula (about 5,000 of the population of 132,000) are over the age of 75, more than 900 are over the age of 90, and many are over 100. Contents1 Is Costa Rica considered [] These include Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece, and you guessed it; Nicoya, Costa Rica. Its also easy to eat healthy in Costa Rica, with its abundance of local foods grown in its fertile volcanic soil. Having a Blue Zone helps strengthen the country's constant striving for quality of life, both for Costa Ricans and for tourists. Many Nicoyans choose to walk from one destination to another instead of driving. These Blue Zones have a direct link to the promotion of tourism in the country, since it fits in well wellness tourism. Do you ever wish you could know the secrets to a long and happy life? Nantipas special wellness booking includes yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic and sound therapies, and sessions with wellness coaches and personal trainers. Nicoya, Costa Rica: A Puzzling Blue Zone Diet Light on Vegetables and High in Carbohydrate and Sugar. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. Is it Something in the Water? - ABC News Changing the American diet and culture around the food we eat can help save lives. Your email address will not be published. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. He finished, stating emphatically "please keep it and put the new generation on the same line in the treasure of this Blue Zone.". Buettner had spent several years before penning the article leading expeditions including tracing Darwin's route in the Galapagos and Marco Polo's trip along the Silk Road. 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. Blessed with sandy beaches and tropical forest, it's something of a backpackers' paradise. This treasure includes the atmosphere around you." In the south between the Paquera ferry and the village of Tambor, youll have an excellent chance of seeing wildlife within the privately-owned Cur Wildlife Reserve. You can hike along trails, go horseback riding, kayak through the mangroves, and swim off the beach. He then went on release a book The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who Have Lived the Longest in 2008. It is not unusual for many generations to live on one property or in very close proximity to each other. We must make the health of future generations our responsibility by implementing the lifestyles of the Blue Zones people now. 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. 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." For more information read our privacy policy. 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.) Montezuma is great for long beach walks and jungle hikes. The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. Technology permeates everyday life and Nicoya is the perfect place to go for a digital detox. Some sea turtles have even lived to age 150. Nicoya, Costa Rica: A Puzzling Blue Zone Diet Light on Vegetables and While we may not increase the average life expectancy throughout the world we can use Nicoya as a template for healthier living. Nicoya isn't full of marathon runners . 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. [Try this 5-Minute Tasty Squash and Beans for a taste of Costa Rican homecooking.]. Community. 4. Get some sensible sun. The heart is a muscle, and all muscle contractions depend on calcium. First . Why People Live So Long On Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula - TravelAwaits Specifically, the rural landscapes of the Nicoya Peninsula, where people have some of the longest lifespans in the world. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. Costa Rica Tourism Board, Institutional Site, Costa Rica Convention Center, Promotional Site, Costa Rica Tourism Board | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map. 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. 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. Nicoya, the "Blue Zone" in Costa Rica The Costa Rica News 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. Here are some of the factors that make Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula a blue zone worth visiting. January 18, 2022 . The Today Show's Cynthia McFadden accompanied Blue Zones founder Dan Buettner to Costa Rica and Singapore to learn why they these two different places have such happy residents. This is a BETA experience. 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. We have obtained information from Nicoya, Costa Rica on ways to live longer and be happier. Barrio La California, This Central American nation isn't that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. The forest here is more tropical than further north and is home to deer, pacas, monkeys, armadillos, laughing gulls, pelicans, frigates, and brown boobies. 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 . The Blue Zone of Costa Rica | Costa Rica Christies Of course, there is still a desire for success (especially in the cities) but in general, the priorities are shifted. They typically do not consume a lot of meat. Certain common characteristics were also established in order to determine whether additional Blue Zones could be added in the near future. 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. Get to Know Costa Rica's Blue Zone: The Nicoya Peninsula 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. 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. He worked with several notable anthropolgists, dieticians, historians, and geneticists to identify and further understand what contributes to a long lifespan. Nicoyans attribute much of their longevity to social values of faith and family. 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. Eating fewer calories appears to be one of the surest ways to add years to your life. Thomas Ramsauer / Shutterstock. It was a spontaneous decision to move here, but it was the best decision! It helps them remain positive. 11 talking about this. Support the Blue Zone Communities in Costa Rica It remains to be seen if the COVID pandemic will affect that average. Speaking of work, finding work/life balance is a constant challenge for many. To understand some of the reasons why Blue-Zoners live healthier, longer lives, let's take another look at Ricardo's daily routine. Blue Zones: Why Residents in the Nicoya Peninsula Live Longer than 90 Years But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. The Adventists are praying. 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. Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! Dinner is typically a light meal, consumed early in the evening which allows plenty of time for digestion before bed. 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. - save 10% Plus other perks . We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. One thing I found especially interesting is the idea that this long life span is dying out. Its very interesting, and I mean, who doesnt love a good TED Talk? But we must also consider the impact of our individual health and lifestyle choices on future generations. Healthy Blue Zone Recipes | Best Health Magazine 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. Why is Costa Rica a blue zone? - 2023 - fiosdl.hioctanefuel.com 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. When on vacation in Costa Rica, its also easy to pick up Blue Zone habits like getting regular outdoor exercise and a good nights sleep (though be sure to go to bed early if you want to do your sun salutations at actual sunrise). 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. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your 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. 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. Most people in this area never move. So, Nicoya is another blue zone in the world alongside Okinawa (Japan), Cerdea (Italia), Icaria (Greece) and Loma Linda (California). 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. Sardinia, Italy. 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). 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). Your email address will not be published. Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! 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. 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. There are 5 Blue Zones around the world, one of which is located on the Nicoya Peninsula; the others on the list are Sardinia in Italy, Okinawa in Japan, Loma Linda in the United States, and Icaria, in Greece. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. Why is the Nicoya Peninsula considered a 'Blue Zone?' Costa Rica's Longevity Secrets - Blue Zones The Nicoya Peninsula, in Costa Rica, is one of them, . Blue Zones: Diet, Lifestyle & Tips on How to Live Longer 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). The baby turtles hatch 45 to 54 days later and, if theyre lucky, might live another 50 to 80 years. Try cutting out some meat and replacing it with fresh vegetables and fruit. LIKED THIS? There will be a lot to learn and a lot to do to get back to a healthier normal. Over the last several months, the world has mourned the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives. It is also one of the world's Blue Zones. Nicoya honey - Blue Zones Nicoya 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). Nicoya is located on the Guanacaste peninsula in Costa Rica, and is considered one of the 7 blue zones found worldwide. The traditional diet in the area is also notable. It is the reason why the founder of Omega Institute set up Blue Spirit in Nosara and a Longevity center. When you book through our trusted partners we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. obesity, or heart disease. 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. This Blue Zone is in the mountains of the Nicoyan Peninsula in western Costa Rica. It is believed that one factor which may contribute to the high number of Nicoyan centenarians is the high calcium content in the water. Centenarians seem to have enjoyed physical work of all their lives. The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. Despite that, the area has many of the same ideals that the rest of Costa Ricans have. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula is a Blue Zone for long life | Enchanting At the southern tip of the peninsula is Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. Another option is to take the 75-minute ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya from Puntarenas to Paquera.
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