Living Past 100: The Okinawan Diet and Blue Zone Centenarians Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! Black beans contain high doses of antioxidants and they are eaten for almost every meal among Nicoyans (and most Costa Ricans). Sign up for theBLUE ZONES free weekly email where webring youexclusive interviews, cutting edge longevity news, and fresh tips for living longer, better. In other words, it lives longer than the average global life expectancy. Hi, my name is Mike Gillespie & I'm fundraising to help support the Blue Zone communities in Nicoya Costa Rica. To my delight, Costa Rica has its own Blue Zone - the Nicoya Peninsula! The Adventists are praying. Try opting to walk places instead of driving. We have a full guide to the ferry here. 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). It consists of 100 recipes with ingredients used by those who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica and the other four Blue Zones. The Nicoya Peninsula is in many ways isolated from the rest of Costa Rica due to geography. They feel needed and want to contribute to a greater good. Blue Zones: Why Residents in the Nicoya Peninsula Live Longer than 90 Years It remains to be seen if the COVID pandemic will affect that average. 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. Also on offer are boat trips to the volcanic Tortuga Islands, where snorkelers might spot angelfish and porcupine fish, and theres a chance of seeing dolphins, manta and spotted eagle rays, and turtles on the way. 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. The Blue Zone of Costa Rica | Costa Rica Christies Lane reasons why Chicago should use the Blue Zones template to improve the lives of people who live there. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. 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." 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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 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. Longevity then would not be a luxury only reserved for a few living in Blue Zones, but a reality for billions.. The most amazing part about people who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica is that many of them live without medication or disability. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. 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. Warm, Sunny Climate. For just over 15 years he has been monitoring and accompanying the long-lived people that . Demographers have identified the area, located on Costa Rica's northern Pacific coast, as a Blue Zone or "longevity hot spot," typified by a higher-than-normal number of people living past the age of one hundred. For one, Costa Rica is a small country and most people never move away from the area they were born in. Still planning? In an article in the Chicagoan, Marc J. A blue zone is a geographical area in which the population is the longest-lived. Win-win! "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. 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. Its very interesting, and I mean, who doesnt love a good TED Talk? Another is a focus on family and a special ability to listen and laugh. First . 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. Because of this, they enjoy extremely low rates of heart disease. 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. We can no longer afford to allow the COVID pandemic to cause us to live in or out of a place of fear. 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. 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. How many blue zones are in Costa Rica? - 2023 Blue Zones: How The World's Oldest People Make Their Money Last - Forbes The Ikarians and the Ikaria is another one of the Blue Zones, and the Costa Ricans, Nicoya, they're taking a nap. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. 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. 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. By TCRN STAFF October 5, 2022 528 0 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. This information has been translated into lessons that can be implemented into your everyday life. 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. In mid-November 2017, the first World Meeting of Blue Zones was held. Check out all of our favorite travel companies. 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. All of our step by step Costa Rica planning tips in one spot. For most Americans, an entrance ramp for a new lifestyle change is through their mouth, Buettner says. O segreto da Zona Azul de Nicoya. The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. Scarlet macaws are bred in Tambor and youll have a chance of seeing them, even on the beach. Costa Rica is known for its pura vida lifestyle and attitude. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. "The five cantons of the peninsula continue to appear with greater longevity and we've confirmed this everywhere we've investigated. Also, the environment just exudes joy. Want to Live Longer? Come to Nicoya, Costa Rica, One of the World's At the southern tip of the peninsula is Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. 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 - Samara, Costa Rica, Samara Beach, Playa Samara, Carrillo He finished, stating emphatically "please keep it and put the new generation on the same line in the treasure of this Blue Zone.". In these areas people have low rates of chronic diseases, so they tend to live longer than in other places. Loma Linda, California. Theyre focused on sick care, and so the actual healthcare is often neglected, says Chaves. Look for howler and capuchin monkeys, parrots and parakeets, and bigger birds like herons and hawks. Maintaining close ties with family and friends helps reduce stress. Costa Rica Blue Zone: The Secret to Longevity? 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. One is the plan de vida, or reason to live, which propels a positive outlook among elders and helps keep them active. These characteristics are: Despite this, it is believed that 30% of a long healthy life comes from genes and 70% is based on lifestyle. Why are Costa Rica and Singapore Two of the Happiest - Blue Zones By Ty and Charlene Bollinger. For those who might need some meal ideas, Dan Buettner, wrote the Blue Zones Kitchen cookbook. 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. 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. 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). Eating fewer calories appears to be one of the surest ways to add years to your life. 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. Community. Pura vida means pure or simple life and Costa Ricas Nicoya Peninsula has what you could call extreme pura vida. Most residents here live to be over the age of 90 and there's a high number of centenarians as well. Feel free to leave them in the comment section below. People who have diabetes, heart conditions, or are overweight tend to have a more difficult time if they are infected by COVID-19. Specifically, the rural landscapes of the Nicoya Peninsula, where people have some of the longest lifespans in the world. 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. 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. This is an excerpt fromBlue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longestby Dan Buettner, copyright 2008, all rights reserved. 15 Reasons Expats Love Living In The Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica The world has a number of 'Blue Zones', areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. Blue Zones: Diet, Lifestyle & Tips on How to Live Longer Meanwhile, last year the average individual from the United States ate 222.2 pounds of meat and poultry. While the Blue Zones project Lane discusses isnt a cure for COVID-19, the principals lived by the people in those zones could increase the chance of livelihood for people of other cultures. 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. There are several theories about why the Blue Zone of Costa Rica exists, but the most likely explanation is that it is due to a combination of factors. My Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Retreat | Costa Rica Experts 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. 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. These cantons are: Carillo, Hojancha, Nicoya, Santa Cruz, and Nandoyure. Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). While we may not increase the average life expectancy throughout the world we can use Nicoya as a template for healthier living. 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. 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. 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!) 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. Live longer with these dishes from 'blue zones' in America Moais are a powerful social tradition that create feelings of belonging, purpose and security. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. 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. How Much Does it Cost to Live in Costa Rica? (2023) - A Little Adrift Living the Pure Life in Nicoya, Costa Rica - Viva Tropical Hi! 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. Swimming holes dot the peninsula too, including beneath the Montezuma waterfall. Rare species like pumas, ocelots, and margay cats make their home here too. They typically do not consume a lot of meat. Thanks to the peninsulas reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. I have been exploring the data reported by National Geographic and Dan Buettner in the Blue Zones Solution: . Fish is a lean protein and provides oils which help with overall brain function. Wellness enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. Why people in 'Blue Zones' are outliving all of us | MDLinx Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. The Adobe Rent-A-Car discount includes.. DISCOUNTED SMARTPHONE USAGE WITH UNLIMITED DATA. 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). Nicoya was introduced as a Blue Zone in a 2004 National Geographic article by Dan Buettner. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. 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. Guevara lives in the Nicoya peninsula of Costa Rica. Dan Buettner on the Diets that Help People Live Longer 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. 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. The Blue Zones - Wonderlust 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. Nicoyan centenarians get frequent visits from neighbors. It includes black beans, cooked plantains, fresh papaya, yams, squash, homemade corn tortillas, and fish (if near the coast). Meat, fish, and poultry only make up 5% of the usual diet. Are We Headed To A World In Which We Own Nothing? The surroundings dictate ways of operating, not personal decisions. 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 . Would you like to visit the Nicoya Peninsula? People often consider the impact of global decisions on future generations through legislation. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 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). 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. However, both towns have a more touristy vibe to them. 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. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. Of course, there is still a desire for success (especially in the cities) but in general, the priorities are shifted. Your email address will not be published. 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. The five blue zones are: Loma Linda, California; Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. 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. 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 a BETA experience. 4. Get to Know Costa Rica's Blue Zone: The Nicoya Peninsula The world has 5 recognized Blue Zones (as determined by the authority of National Geographic ). Nicoya, Costa Rica, is a Central American Caribbean nation that boasts economic security and excellent health care. Toss gently. 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. Every day, most people eat a breakfast of black beans and rice (called gallo pinto), eggs, fresh corn tortillas (with batter soaked in lime juice), with a cup of coffee. Thanks to the peninsula's reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. Ministry of Health data indicate that life expectancy is nearly 80 years, which is the highest in Central America, according to the World Bank. It requires descending 17 yards down a ladder to see cave formations that resemble fried eggs, popcorn, roses, and shark teeth. It is a template outlining the lifestyles of people who live in places like Nicoya, Costa Rica. The five known Blue Zones identified in Buettner's book include:. 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. 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. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2008-2023 Law Dissertation Writing Services. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. These cookies do not store any personal information. It is believed that one factor which may contribute to the high number of Nicoyan centenarians is the high calcium content in the water. According to researchers, most inhabitants live to at least the age of 90. They have been able to exceed their life expectancy and serve as an example for the entire world. 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). BOOK YOUR COSTA RICA RENTAL CAR AND SAVE 10%. This goes along with the decision to widen the country's tourism offerings and venture into industries with high potential, such as wellness tourism. Beyond this context, however, the health authorities are taking measures to help Costa Ricans reach over 80 years of age in good health. Poor communities are notorious for living in food deserts. Get some sensible sun. 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. If coming from San Jose, the easiest way to get to the Nicoya Peninsula is to take the ferry from Puntarenas. 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). 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). The daily breakfast consists of gallo pinto (rice and beans) with a basket of homemade corn tortillas and hot coffee. 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. Book a transfer from your hotel, opt for a shuttle or public bus, or take a domestic flight to one of the peninsulas larger towns. What Costa Rica's Blue Zone Can Teach Us About The Future Of - Forbes Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Oftentimes, this helps maintain healthy and supportive relationships within their communities, and develop a strong sense of faith and purpose along the way. This treasure includes the atmosphere around you." Costa Rica Tourism Board, Institutional Site, Costa Rica Convention Center, Promotional Site, Costa Rica Tourism Board | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map. And a breakfast rich with antioxidants helps to protect a persons cells from disease. This Central American nation isn't that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. Try our meal idea that reflects elements of the Nicoyan Peninsula Blue Zoners' diet. Nicoya is a small, rural beach community located on the Guanacaste peninsula on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. Face-to-Face Conversations. Another option is to take the 75-minute ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya from Puntarenas to Paquera. These Blue Zones have a direct link to the promotion of tourism in the country, since it fits in well wellness tourism. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. We have obtained information from Nicoya, Costa Rica on ways to live longer and be happier. Having worked with the pioneers in mind-body research and psychoneuroimmunology. Nicoya honey - Blue Zones Nicoya Successful centenarians have a strong sense of purpose. Blue Zones, those special places on earth where people live longer and healthier lives, first came to prominence in the ground-breaking book by Dan Buettner, Blue Zones. Full of natural beauty, endless sunlight, white beaches and radiant ocean, Nicoya reigns as one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica. Old people often have too little calcium in their bodies. 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 Tortuga Islands are offshore and are a frequent destination for snorkeling trips, even from other parts of the peninsula. Exploring the Blue Zones of Costa Rica: The Nicoya Peninsula Get to Know the Secrets of Costa Rica's Blue Zone Located in northwestern Costa Rica, near the border with Nicaragua, Playas del Coco which is more commonly called Cocois a beach town, popular with both expats and Costa Ricans. 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. Long-living creatures like sea turtles are frequent visitors to the Blue Zone too. 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).

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