why is nicoya, costa rica a blue zone

Meanwhile, last year the average individual from the United States ate 222.2 pounds of meat and poultry. Rice and black beans, gallo pinto, served with eggs and tropical fruit. Full of natural beauty, endless sunlight, white beaches and radiant ocean, Nicoya reigns as one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Costa Ricans called Ticos say pura vida instead of hello, how are you, fine, thanks, and see you later and youll quickly find yourself saying it too. While walking gives Nicoyans a chance to exercise and get fresh air, it also gives them time to enjoy the natural beauty for which Nicoya is known. The Nicoya Peninsula has five cantons where middle-age morality is lowest and centenarians are the most abundant. Predominantly catering to families, this 402-room property has four restaurants, including for surf and turf and Japanese, two pools, a nightclub, and a 200-seat amphitheater. Research shows that 30% of longevity comes from genes, and the remaining 70% from lifestyle. Loma Linda, California. 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. Many of us in Western countries know we need to eat less junk and add more natural food to our diets. The Adobe Rent-A-Car discount includes.. DISCOUNTED SMARTPHONE USAGE WITH UNLIMITED DATA. Nearby are waterfalls at Montezuma, ziplining near the Cabo Blanco Reserve, and kite surfing. For the first time ever, the world's most prominent researchers shared their knowledge and most recent research on the topic of Blue Zones. 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. He then had the idea to research areas in the world with the longest lifespan. 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. If youre eating a standard American diet, its probably shaving about six to 10 years off of your life expectancy, Buettner says. 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. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. There are five areas of the world that meet the qualifications of Blue Zone as defined by Buettner. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. Blue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longest. Thomas Ramsauer / Shutterstock. Nicoya, Costa Rica is one of those unique locations where lifestyle, diet, and low stress have dramatically bettered the lives of Ticos and expats alike. Costa Rica 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. According to Buettner's studies, the Nicoya Peninsula has the world's lowest rates of middle-age mortality and the second highest convergence of male centenarians. A research team is currently researching the . We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. 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. Modern Nicoyans roots to the indigenous Chorotega and their traditions have enabled them to remain relatively free of stress. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. Barra Honda is on the peninsulas northeast about a half hours drive from the town of Nicoya. Technology permeates everyday life and Nicoya is the perfect place to go for a digital detox. Blue Zones Nicoya desarrolla alimentos, bebidas y suplementos inspirados en los centenarios de la. 1 - The Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. 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. Moais are a powerful social tradition that create feelings of belonging, purpose and security. There are two trails for visitors and a pristine white sand beach. 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. That means family ties are the backbone for most peoples existence. Residents of this 80-mile peninsula found south of the Nicaraguan border have the world's lowest middle-age mortality rates, and the second highest number of male centenarians in the world. "This meeting commits us to preserve this Blue Zone, but most importantly, it should have a multiplier effect and serve as an example for the other cantons of the country" said Ana Monge, Commissioner of the Presidential Social Council of the Government of Costa Rica. All of our step by step Costa Rica planning tips in one spot. Add the red onions, sliced radishes, tomatoes, orange supremes, cilantro and 3 tablespoons oil to the cabbage. This treasure includes the atmosphere around you." Are We Headed To A World In Which We Own Nothing? Theyre focused on sick care, and so the actual healthcare is often neglected, says Chaves. Costa Rica Tourism Board, Institutional Site, Costa Rica Convention Center, Promotional Site, Costa Rica Tourism Board | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map. Cities throughout the world can use this template to encourage people to live healthier lives. O segreto da Zona Azul de Nicoya. I suggest visiting Cabuya (a small town between Montezuma and Santa Teresa) or San Francisco de Coyote (a remote beach town). We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. 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. Get some sensible sun. 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). 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. For those who might need some meal ideas, Dan Buettner, wrote the Blue Zones Kitchen cookbook. Montezuma is great for long beach walks and jungle hikes. These Blue Zones have a direct link to the promotion of tourism in the country, since it fits in well wellness tourism. 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. Most people in this area never move. Your email address will not be published. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Thanks to the peninsulas reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It requires descending 17 yards down a ladder to see cave formations that resemble fried eggs, popcorn, roses, and shark teeth. What Is The Potential Of Generative AI In Healthcare? 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 . Nicoyans eat a light dinner early in the evening. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Results were also shared from the research carried out by the demographer Luis Rosero and Dr. Elizabeth Lopez, both from Costa Rica, who made significant contributions on the subject of healthy longevity. 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. Everywhere you go in Costa Rica, youll hear pura vida! and soon feel the freedom to adopt the pura vida lifestyle yourself. 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. They know how to listen, laugh, and appreciate what they have. Are you interested in learning more about the Costa Rica Blue Zone and other zones of the world? 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. Spirituality and religious involvement/ beliefs. Although the Blue Zone Project isnt all about diet, and its certainly about more than food for the people of Nicoya it is a big difference from the typical American diet (no matter what type of community). These factors are present, to some degree, in the other four Blue Zones in the world, according to world experts who participated in the World Meeting in Nicoya in mid-November. [Try this 5-Minute Tasty Squash and Beans for a taste of Costa Rican homecooking.]. The world has a number of Blue Zones, areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. 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. And here are two great reports done that will give you a better understanding of the Nicoya people, area, and mindset. According to researchers, most inhabitants live to at least the age of 90. It would be hard to imagine two more different places than free-wheeling Costa Rica and legally rigid Singapore, yet both are among the happiest places on earth. My Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Retreat. 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. Nicoyan centenarians get frequent visits from neighbors. Contents1 Is Costa Rica considered [] Nicoya, Costa Rica: A Puzzling Blue Zone Diet Light on Vegetables and High in Carbohydrate and Sugar. American researcher, Dan Buettner, discovered that people in these areas shared several lifestyle characteristics: They don't smoke; They eat a plant-based diet It is a template outlining the lifestyles of people who live in places like Nicoya, Costa Rica. This provides the nutrition they need to work hard during the day. We have a full guide to the ferry here. WED LOVE IF YOUD ADD IT ON PINTEREST! While we may not increase the average life expectancy throughout the world we can use Nicoya as a template for healthier living. Healthy and supportive relationships with friends and family are another one of their keys to longevity. Try spending quality times with your loved ones. A three-course farm-to-table dinner with a tour of the organic garden is available Mondays and Thursdays. I feel lucky to have found this information, though the credit doesn't belong to me, but rather to the older residents. These areas are: Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Ikaria, Greece. It was time for me to conquer the Nicoya Peninsula. Gone are the days of making your own food and growing organic produce. Nicoya has an abundance of accommodation options but these selections should help your Blue Zone focus whether its healthy food, yoga, spa, surfing, and hiking, connecting with family, or getting a sense of purpose by helping protect Nicoyas wildlife and their habitat. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. Nicoyan centenarians frequently visit with neighbors, and they tend to live with families and children or grandchildren who provide support, as well as a sense of purpose. Win-win! One thing I found especially interesting is the idea that this long life span is dying out. 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. 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. He finished, stating emphatically "please keep it and put the new generation on the same line in the treasure of this Blue Zone.". 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. For example, we know that Nicoya is the driest part of Costa Rica, that it used to be part of Nicaragua, and that more Indians intermarried with the Spanish who began settling here in 1510. 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. Nicoya isn't full of marathon runners . The Peninsula is covered by spectacular beaches that host nature's best. Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! 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. These regions are considered Blue Zones. We are always happy to help you out! Stir in two chopped plum tomatoes, half of a finely chopped onion and one . The beautiful view of the beaches may also have a hand in this. Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). 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. 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. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The climate in the Blue Zone is very mild, which may help to protect against diseases. They wake up. Drain and pat the onions dry with paper towel. So, having extra-hard water may help keep Nicoyans' hearts strong, and longer. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. I will be visiting Costa Rica next week to meet with Jorge who founded a local organization that helps the small Blue Zone villages. First . 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. However, altering your diet, increasing the amount of exercise you get in a given day, and embracing relationships with family and friends are good places to start. It is not unusual for several generations to gather on a regular basis for lively gatherings. He has written numerous books on the topic, but I suggest starting with: Blue Zones of Happiness and The Blue Zones Kitchen (a cookbook). The world has 5 recognized Blue Zones (as determined by the authority of National Geographic ). 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. For most of their lives, Nicoyan centenarians ate a traditional Mesoamerican diet highlighted with the three sisters of agriculture: squash, corn, and beans. He then went on release a book The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who Have Lived the Longest in 2008. 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. There are other blue zones in California, Italy, Greece, and Japan. 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. For many the hope is that the lessons that these centenarians can teach us and the secrets of well-being and longevity that live in this extraordinary part of the world, will be able benefit all of humanity in the future. The term first emerged in 2005 in a Nation Geographic magazine cover, "The Secrets of a Long Life.". They have been able to exceed their life expectancy and serve as an example for the entire world. Making the smart choice in traditional Blue Zones is often the only choice available, not really a choice at all. It is also one of the world's Blue Zones. Nicoya, Costa Rica. It includes black beans, cooked plantains, fresh papaya, yams, squash, homemade corn tortillas, and fish (if near the coast). The traditional diet in the area is also notable. Oftentimes, this helps maintain healthy and supportive relationships within their communities, and develop a strong sense of faith and purpose along the way. If coming from San Jose, the easiest way to get to the Nicoya Peninsula is to take the ferry from Puntarenas. 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. Also, the environment just exudes joy. Without a doubt, this is a challenge for the next generations, in the context of the world's age pyramid turning upside down, with ever more senior citizens. Toss gently. 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. Due to the Nicoya Peninsula's location in Central America, the area has an abundance of warm days with tons of sunlight. 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. Community. Black bean starter To a small pot over medium-low heat, add one can of rinsed black beans. Blessed with sandy beaches and tropical forest, it's something of a backpackers' paradise. Montezuma: Best Hotels in Costa Rica. The world has a number of 'Blue Zones', areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. All Rights Reserved. The Tortuga Islands are offshore and are a frequent destination for snorkeling trips, even from other parts of the peninsula. They are eye-opening and heart-tugging. 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. While starting the day off with rice and beans may not be an ideal breakfast for most people, the key to a healthy breakfast is one rich with protein, complex carbs, and antioxidants (minus the preservatives). 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. Costa Rica indeed does celebrate its elderly citizens; every person who has a 100 th birthday is . 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). Look for howler and capuchin monkeys, parrots and parakeets, and bigger birds like herons and hawks. We have obtained information from Nicoya, Costa Rica on ways to live longer and be happier. 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). However, both towns have a more touristy vibe to them. We can start making healthier choices today, thus living more enriching lives and encouraging others to adopt similar healthy ways of living. Pura vida means pure or simple life and Costa Ricas Nicoya Peninsula has what you could call extreme pura vida. Beyond this context, however, the health authorities are taking measures to help Costa Ricans reach over 80 years of age in good health. 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. 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. Certain common characteristics were also established in order to determine whether additional Blue Zones could be added in the near future. 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. There are five regions around the world called the Blue Zones: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece, and Loma Linda, California. These cookies do not store any personal information. 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. They also practice good physical and mental health. LIKED THIS? 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. . It remains to be seen if the COVID pandemic will affect that average. Centenarians seem to have enjoyed physical work of all their lives. Its difficult to maintain family bonds and friendships when school and work take us far from home, into strange communities. The most popular towns to visit here are Montezuma and Santa Teresa. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. In other words, Nicoyans receive a healthy dose of vitamins in their daily diet. In a few, unique communities around the globe, people live long and heathy lives, up to and past 100. Nicoya was introduced as a Blue Zone in a 2004 National Geographic article by Dan Buettner. Nicoya, Costa Rica, is a Central American Caribbean nation that boasts economic security and excellent health care. Its about 75 miles long and 35 miles wide, with the northern section a part of Guanacaste province and the southern section in Puntarenas province. Living Hotel partners with the Spacio spa, a five-minute walk away, which has several treatments geared to surfers. 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. So, what's the secret behind our region's long life? However, Costa Rica's blue zone is so much more. Many Nicoyans choose to walk from one destination to another instead of driving. 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. Along with starting every morning with a healthy breakfast, Nicoyans also eat nutritious food throughout the day. People who have diabetes, heart conditions, or are overweight tend to have a more difficult time if they are infected by COVID-19. They embrace the relaxed Pura Vida lifestyle and family always comes first. The Nicoya Peninsula has several on offer, including near Tamarindo, outside the Cabo Blanco Reserve near Playa Mal Pais, and above the Montezuma waterfall. These centenarians help teach us the value of those important little things," said Mauricio Ventura, Minister of Tourism, with pride. Learn more about typical diet with our Guide to Costa Rican Food. Inadequate calcium means weak muscles -- including the heart. Tamarindo is also a great place for solo travelers. Nicoya, also known as the Nicoya Peninsula has not been only recognized as one of the 5 places in the planet with surprisingly high rate of longevity but also as the highest concentration of centenarians in the world. The town of Nicoya is considered the oldest in Costa Rica, it is popularly known as "the colonial city". They have groups of friend with whom they share healthy habits.". Located on the Guanacaste Peninsula in northwestern Costa Rica, Nicoya is a rural, beachside, blue-zone community. 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. 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. 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. This information has been translated into lessons that can be implemented into your everyday life. These include Nicoya, Costa Rica; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece . Nicoya is a small, rural beach community located on the Guanacaste peninsula on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. Now I was excited to roam off the beaten path into a world-famous Nicoya Peninsula blue zone. My fourth investigation into exactly what our Blue Zone folks eat has left this dietitian, well, intrigued. 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. Face-to-Face Conversations. For one, Costa Rica is a small country and most people never move away from the area they were born in. Warm, Sunny Climate. They feel needed and want to contribute to a greater good. 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. The international attendees also included Dan Buettner, a reporter and researcher for National Geographic, who has been responsible for popularizing the concept of Blue Zones through the publication of various articles and best-selling books that explore the direct connection between this issue and diet, spirituality, purpose in life and physical exercise, with happiness as a cross-cutting element. 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 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.

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