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. Having a Blue Zone helps strengthen the country's constant striving for quality of life, both for Costa Ricans and for tourists. By Ty and Charlene Bollinger. Along with starting every morning with a healthy breakfast, Nicoyans also eat nutritious food throughout the day. 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. Or, get your zen on at La Senda, the wellness center on a 74-acre forested property near Tamarindo. Drain and pat the onions dry with paper towel. It is a template outlining the lifestyles of people who live in places like Nicoya, Costa Rica. 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. Nicoya, Costa Rica A Latin American Blue Zone. Rare species like pumas, ocelots, and margay cats make their home here too. I will be visiting Costa Rica next week to meet with Jorge who founded a local organization that helps the small Blue Zone villages. Nicoya is located far off in Northeastern Costa Rica. They feel needed, and their daily lives revolve around their family and community. 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. 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. But we must also consider the impact of our individual health and lifestyle choices on future generations. 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. I suggest visiting Cabuya (a small town between Montezuma and Santa Teresa) or San Francisco de Coyote (a remote beach town). Rhuigi Villaseor Kept His Foot On The Gas. Your email address will not be published. For those who might need some meal ideas, Dan Buettner, wrote the Blue Zones Kitchen cookbook. Due to the Nicoya Peninsula's location in Central America, the area has an abundance of warm days with tons of sunlight. The Nicoya Peninsula has several on offer, including near Tamarindo, outside the Cabo Blanco Reserve near Playa Mal Pais, and above the Montezuma waterfall. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. Santa Teresa is great for surfing and enjoying a small but vibrant town with a backpacker vibe. Dubbed "blue zones," residents of these areas share a common environment and lifestyle that . This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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 was time for me to conquer the Nicoya Peninsula. The Nicoya Peninsula, in Costa Rica, is one of them, . Barrio La California, Reporter Dan Buettner closed by saying "it is a great honor to see the results of the idea of researching the issue of longevity that emerged fifteen years ago is coming to fruition in the meeting of the major scientific researchers on the subject of Blue Zones." What Is The Potential Of Generative AI In Healthcare? This Blue Zone is in the mountains of the Nicoyan Peninsula in western Costa Rica. 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. The most amazing part about people who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica is that many of them live without medication or disability. They embrace the relaxed Pura Vida lifestyle and family always comes first. In other words, Nicoyans receive a healthy dose of vitamins in their daily diet. The Nicoyan way of life can enlighten people to make choices that will help to increase their life expectancy. Nicoya, Costa Rica - And then there's Nicoya, where Ricardo and his family live, a notable exception to the rule that people in developing countries have shorter life spans than those in developed ones. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. Within Nosaras lush forest and a three-minute walk to Guiones Beach, this small hotel has a daily yoga class plus private yoga instruction, surf lessons, a large pool, hammocks, and a juice and coffee bar. 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. 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. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. 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. Going down the west coast from Tamarindo youll find several beach towns, most notably yoga center Nosara and surfers paradise Santa Teresa. Most residents here live to be over the age of 90 and there's a high number of centenarians as well. "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. It consists of 100 recipes with ingredients used by those who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica and the other four Blue Zones. Meaning, family ties are strong. This goes along with the decision to widen the country's tourism offerings and venture into industries with high potential, such as wellness tourism. Because of this, they enjoy extremely low rates of heart disease. Are you interested in learning more about the Costa Rica Blue Zone and other zones of the world? 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. Eco-tourism is a natural must in this out-of-this-world scenario, where everything that happens is in a quiet, lovely pace. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. There will be a lot to learn and a lot to do to get back to a healthier normal. Black bean starter To a small pot over medium-low heat, add one can of rinsed black beans. Nicoya is a small, rural beach community located on the Guanacaste peninsula on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. He has written numerous books on the topic, but I suggest starting with: Blue Zones of Happiness and The Blue Zones Kitchen (a cookbook). In the future, when we do emerge from the current pandemic, many cities and companies will revisit well-being as a main topic for their citizens and employees. All of our step by step Costa Rica planning tips in one spot. 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. 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. Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). Blue Zones Nicoya naci en 2014, una empresa 100% costarricense, que durante los ltimos 6 aos ha sido destacada por la investigacin de alimentos locales de la Zona Azul de Nicoya-Guanacaste. 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. 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 also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. 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. Throughout the world, the average life expectancy is 71 years of age (70 for males and 72 for females). 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. Nicoya isn't full of marathon runners . The Ikarians and the Ikaria is another one of the Blue Zones, and the Costa Ricans, Nicoya, they're taking a nap. Face-to-Face Conversations. It's a question that inhabitants of Guanacaste are happy to be asking themselves, since it's a true pride for the province's population to be home to one of the five such zones that exist worldwide. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. 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. 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. It was a spontaneous decision to move here, but it was the best decision! 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. Poor communities are notorious for living in food deserts. Of course, there is still a desire for success (especially in the cities) but in general, the priorities are shifted. Lane cites the impact of COVID-19 on minorities like Blacks and Hispanics throughout Chicago. Buettner approached National Geograhic with his idea and they agreed to help fund his research. They know how to listen, laugh, and appreciate what they have. Located on the Guanacaste Peninsula in northwestern Costa Rica, Nicoya is a rural, beachside, blue-zone community. 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. Rice and black beans, gallo pinto, served with eggs and tropical fruit. Specifically, the rural landscapes of the Nicoya Peninsula, where people have some of the longest lifespans in the world. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. Is the Nicoya Peninsula good for a Wellness getaway? A "Blue Zone" is an area of the world where it is typical for people to live past 100 years old. 4. Try cutting out some meat and replacing it with fresh vegetables and fruit. The five blue zones are: Loma Linda, California; Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. 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. English is widely spoken and the town has lots of tourist infrastructure with a wide variety of restaurant and accommodation choices. 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. These cantons are: Carillo, Hojancha, Nicoya, Santa Cruz, and Nandoyure. Lane reasons why Chicago should use the Blue Zones template to improve the lives of people who live there. 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). The term first emerged in 2005 in a Nation Geographic magazine cover, "The Secrets of a Long Life.". 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. This information is complemented by studies carried out by Costa Rican demographer Dr. Luis Rosero Bixby, which show that the mortality of inhabitants of the Nicoya Peninsula aged 90 is 10% lower than for Costa Ricans of the same age elsewhere in the country. 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. This is a BETA experience. 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. Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Its difficult to maintain family bonds and friendships when school and work take us far from home, into strange communities. Costa Rica Tourism Board, Institutional Site, Costa Rica Convention Center, Promotional Site, Costa Rica Tourism Board | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map. On the peninsulas southeast coast is Tambor, with Nicoyas most southerly airport. A three-course farm-to-table dinner with a tour of the organic garden is available Mondays and Thursdays. 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. We have a full guide to the ferry here. Read more below about the lessons that Nicoya, Costa Rica can teach you about longevity. 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). The Nicoya Peninsula, a Blue Zone in Costa Rica, is renowned for its tranquil, laid-back ambiance. 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. In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average lifespan is 85 among the world's highest. Protein helps to rebuild and repair tissue, as well as it helps a person to feel full. At the southern tip of the peninsula is Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. It is believed that one factor which may contribute to the high number of Nicoyan centenarians is the high calcium content in the water. Still planning? 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. One thing I found especially interesting is the idea that this long life span is dying out. 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. The traditional diet in the area is also notable. This is an excerpt fromBlue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longestby Dan Buettner, copyright 2008, all rights reserved. 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." Try our meal idea that reflects elements of the Nicoyan Peninsula Blue Zoners' diet. seen in blue zones. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Old people often have too little calcium in their bodies. Conzcanos. Also, calcium is important for bones. Throughout Costa Rica, youll find vegetarian gallo pinto (rice and beans) served at breakfast, lunch, and dinner the name means spotted rooster because the black beans dot the rice. 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 worked with several notable anthropolgists, dieticians, historians, and geneticists to identify and further understand what contributes to a long lifespan. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. Nosara also has three beaches remote black sand Playa Nosara, Playa Guiones with some of Costa Ricas best surfing, and Playa Pelada for tide pools, blow holes, snorkeling, and swimming. To understand some of the reasons why Blue-Zoners live healthier, longer lives, let's take another look at Ricardo's daily routine. 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. Certain common characteristics were also established in order to determine whether additional Blue Zones could be added in the near future. He then had the idea to research areas in the world with the longest lifespan. There are two trails for visitors and a pristine white sand beach. El propsito de la compaa es promover y crear conciencia sobre el consumo de productos de alta calidad, con valor nutricional y . These include Nicoya, Costa Rica; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece . Scarlet macaws are bred in Tambor and youll have a chance of seeing them, even on the beach. "Looking beyond Costa Ricas Blue Zone in Nicoya, elements that make our population stand out and that describe our focus on well-being can be found in every corner of our territory. March 2nd, 2023. 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. 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. 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). Wellness enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. 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 places are full of one-hundred-year-olds who have reached such like live wires, not in bed or in hospital. 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? 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 . "The five cantons of the peninsula continue to appear with greater longevity and we've confirmed this everywhere we've investigated. 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. 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. 11 talking about this. It is also one of the world's Blue Zones. January 18, 2022 . "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. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These Blue Zones have a direct link to the promotion of tourism in the country, since it fits in well wellness tourism. It requires descending 17 yards down a ladder to see cave formations that resemble fried eggs, popcorn, roses, and shark teeth. Nicoya was introduced as a Blue Zone in a 2004 National Geographic article by Dan Buettner. Costa Rica Experts 2023. 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. The Adventists are praying. 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. For more information read our privacy policy. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. 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. This calcium leads to stronger bones and the ability to stay physically active at a later age. The world has 5 recognized Blue Zones (as determined by the authority of National Geographic ). For the first time ever, the world's most prominent researchers shared their knowledge and most recent research on the topic of Blue Zones. 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. According to researchers, most inhabitants live to at least the age of 90. 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. To my delight, Costa Rica has its own Blue Zone - the Nicoya Peninsula! 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. My Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Retreat. Eating fewer calories appears to be one of the surest ways to add years to your life. You can, thanks to the world's "blue zones." What are 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. Its very interesting, and I mean, who doesnt love a good TED Talk? 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. There are five regions around the world called the Blue Zones: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece, and Loma Linda, California. 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. . 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. They have groups of friend with whom they share healthy habits.". 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. Would you like to visit the Nicoya Peninsula? 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).

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