why is nicoya, costa rica a blue zone

Surprisingly, happiness and keeping a focus on family are two of the main components. Speaking of work, finding work/life balance is a constant challenge for many. Access to natural foods and organic fruits and vegetables (stables of the Nicoyans) is difficult to come by. The expat community in Coco is generally older retirees, however, there are some younger expats running around. Lunch is the main meal in Costa Rica (its better for your digestion to eat a bigger breakfast and lunch and a lighter dinner). The world has a number of Blue Zones, areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Many of us in Western countries know we need to eat less junk and add more natural food to our diets. 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. 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. 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. 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. What we can incorporate about Nicoya into our culture is the sense of purpose Nicoyans enjoy. In other words, people in these zones to live longer than any other areas in the world. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. 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. Several of Nicoyas beaches like those in the Ostional National Wildlife Reserve are nesting grounds for Kemps Ridley, green, and leatherback turtles. Those who want to enjoy the pura vida life for more than a week or two often end up here, given Santa Teresas gorgeous beaches, busy nightlife, and excellent wifi. I mean, how can you not be happy when the average daily temperature is 85 degrees fahrenheit, you can easily get to the beach or jungle, and youre surrounded by an abundance of nature and wildlife? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2008-2023 Law Dissertation Writing Services. The gateway to the Nicoya Peninsula is the beach town of Tamarindo on the west coast, which is very popular with international travelers. Blue zones are regions where some of the oldest and healthiest people live. 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. It is a template outlining the lifestyles of people who live in places like Nicoya, Costa Rica. Blessed with sandy beaches and tropical forest, it's something of a backpackers' paradise. In these areas people have low rates of chronic diseases, so they tend to live longer than in other places. Your email address will not be published. These areas are: Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Ikaria, Greece. When that day comes, Nicoyas Blue Zone will continue to be an example of the resiliency of the human body and spirit. These include Nicoya, Costa Rica; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece . 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). For just over 15 years he has been monitoring and accompanying the long-lived people that . The daily breakfast consists of gallo pinto (rice and beans) with a basket of homemade corn tortillas and hot coffee. Located on the Guanacaste Peninsula in northwestern Costa Rica, Nicoya is a rural, beachside, blue-zone community. This Blue Zone is in the mountains of the Nicoyan Peninsula in western Costa Rica. According to researchers, most inhabitants live to at least the age of 90. The Power of Nine is the name Buetnner has given to the characteristics that all Blue Zones seem to share. Still planning? 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. There are other blue zones in California, Italy, Greece, and Japan. That means family ties are the backbone for most peoples existence. They have groups of friend with whom they share healthy habits.". 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. As of now, there are 5 blue zones: Icaria, Greece. 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. Nicoya. Required fields are marked *, car rental deal! However, Costa Rica's blue zone is so much more. 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. Black beans contain high doses of antioxidants and they are eaten for almost every meal among Nicoyans (and most Costa Ricans). 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. In the Nicoya Peninsula, the water is particularly rich in calcium and magnesium which studies show is good for cardiovascular health and preventing cancer. Thomas Ramsauer / Shutterstock. 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. 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. mobile app. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. The surroundings dictate ways of operating, not personal decisions. 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. Nicoya is a small, rural beach community located on the Guanacaste peninsula on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. Nicoyas interior where most of the centenarians and almost-centenarians live and northeastern coast are less visited by tourists but still have much to offer. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. 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). Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). Famous for its gorgeous Pacific Coast beaches and well known for its surfing, wellness, yoga, and vibrant sunsets, the Nicoya peninsula is a paradise for the mind, body, and soul. Conzcanos. We have obtained information from Nicoya, Costa Rica on ways to live longer and be happier. 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. Another is a focus on family and a special ability to listen and laugh. He then had the idea to research areas in the world with the longest lifespan. 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. It is fascinating to see which factors play into long lifespan including how you can emulate this lifestyle. Try spending quality times with your loved ones. In one of Buettner's most recent visits to Costa Rica, he defined Blue Zones as "a kind of lifestyle and environment that creates longevity. When you book through our trusted partners we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Maintaining close ties with family and friends helps reduce stress. These include Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece, and you guessed it; Nicoya, Costa Rica. Costa Rica Experts 2023. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Everywhere you go in Costa Rica, youll hear pura vida! and soon feel the freedom to adopt the pura vida lifestyle yourself. Lane cites the impact of COVID-19 on minorities like Blacks and Hispanics throughout Chicago. Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! If coming from San Jose, the easiest way to get to the Nicoya Peninsula is to take the ferry from Puntarenas. 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. Sign up for theBLUE ZONES free weekly email where webring youexclusive interviews, cutting edge longevity news, and fresh tips for living longer, better. They begin each meal with a prayer. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. Nicoya, Costa Rica. If you want to really embrace the Nicoya Peninsula blue zone vibe, head to any small village in the area. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. While Nicoyans start their day by eating a healthy breakfast, their diet is not the only secret to living long lives. Moderate alcohol intake, especially wine. This provides the nutrition they need to work hard during the day. 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. 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. Over the last several months, the world has mourned the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives. By TCRN STAFF October 5, 2022 528 0 There are two trails for visitors and a pristine white sand beach. Nicoya, Costa Rica, is a Central American Caribbean nation that boasts economic security and excellent health care. Offering barefoot luxury on Playa Langosta this family-owned boutique hotel is a 15-minute walk from downtown Tamarindo. The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. The Tortuga Islands are offshore and are a frequent destination for snorkeling trips, even from other parts of the peninsula. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. It requires descending 17 yards down a ladder to see cave formations that resemble fried eggs, popcorn, roses, and shark teeth. 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. The Nicoya Peninsula is on Costa Ricas north Pacific coast. Meaning, family ties are strong. Scarlet macaws are bred in Tambor and youll have a chance of seeing them, even on the beach. On today's podcast, Gina does some serious myth-busting about what has kept the centenarians so well, for so long. Dubbed "blue zones," residents of these areas share a common environment and lifestyle that . 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. It consists of 100 recipes with ingredients used by those who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica and the other four Blue Zones. They are places where people get around by walking more than by car, they eat more plants than meat, and a diet that includes beans or grains such as corn, where the family is their number one purpose. The Nicoya Peninsula has five cantons where middle-age morality is lowest and centenarians are the most abundant. Another option is to take the 75-minute ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya from Puntarenas to Paquera. Guest Writer for Wake Up 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. The most amazing part about people who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica is that many of them live without medication or disability. Now is the time for cities like Chicago to learn from the five Blue Zones throughout the world like Nicoya, Costa Rica. They eat many fruits and vegetables often grown on their own lands, and they tend not to consume much meat. 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. For most Americans, an entrance ramp for a new lifestyle change is through their mouth, Buettner says. If we can harness that, we can hopefully improve the health of future generations. A three-course farm-to-table dinner with a tour of the organic garden is available Mondays and Thursdays. Protein helps to rebuild and repair tissue, as well as it helps a person to feel full. Try cutting out some meat and replacing it with fresh vegetables and fruit. Due to the Nicoya Peninsula's location in Central America, the area has an abundance of warm days with tons of sunlight. Plantains are high in potassium, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. The waters around the Nicoya Peninsula are also home to several species of fish including tuna and red snapper. 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. 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. Nicoya, Costa Rica: A Puzzling Blue Zone Diet Light on Vegetables and High in Carbohydrate and Sugar. This Central American nation isnt that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. Buettner's studies on the Nicoya Peninsula revealed eight key factors that affect people's life expectancy. According to researchers, most inhabitants live to at least the age of 90.. The quality of Nicoyas water might be one of the reasons residents live long enough to become centenarians and almost-centenarians. Learn more about typical diet with our Guide to Costa Rican Food. 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. It is also one of the world's Blue Zones. Nicoya isn't full of marathon runners . Customer Experience Critical To Consumer Preference: IAAPA CEO Comments On Key Trends, When It Comes To Advertising, Multicultural Representation Is Not Enough. Going down the west coast from Tamarindo youll find several beach towns, most notably yoga center Nosara and surfers paradise Santa Teresa. Look for howler and capuchin monkeys, parrots and parakeets, and bigger birds like herons and hawks. 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? Nicoya was introduced as a Blue Zone in a 2004 National Geographic article by Dan Buettner. For the first time ever, the world's most prominent researchers shared their knowledge and most recent research on the topic of Blue Zones. Hi, my name is Mike Gillespie & I'm fundraising to help support the Blue Zone communities in Nicoya Costa Rica. 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. Eco-tourism is a natural must in this out-of-this-world scenario, where everything that happens is in a quiet, lovely pace. They wake up. 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. They also practice good physical and mental health. Get your fill of fresh fruits like pineapple, mango, papaya, banana, and passionfruit and vegetables and legumes like squash, cassava, plantain, yam, and beans. Research shows that 30% of longevity comes from genes, and the remaining 70% from lifestyle. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The Nicoya Peninsula, a Blue Zone in Costa Rica, is renowned for its tranquil, laid-back ambiance. 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. 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. 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. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. Nicoya, Costa Rica. 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. 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. Lane reasons why Chicago should use the Blue Zones template to improve the lives of people who live there. 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). Many Nicoyans choose to walk from one destination to another instead of driving. 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. Actually, it is home. We hope you love the Blue Zone Costa Rica stays we recommend. I suggest visiting Cabuya (a small town between Montezuma and Santa Teresa) or San Francisco de Coyote (a remote beach town). 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. 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). Barrio La California, 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. The forest here is more tropical than further north and is home to deer, pacas, monkeys, armadillos, laughing gulls, pelicans, frigates, and brown boobies. It is believed that one factor which may contribute to the high number of Nicoyan centenarians is the high calcium content in the water. Its one of our favorite places in Costa Rica and most likely where we would move if we ever moved to the beach. 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. Getting up in the air on tree canopy tours via ziplines and rope bridges is popular throughout Costa Rica. Are We Headed To A World In Which We Own Nothing? Try our meal idea that reflects elements of the Nicoyan Peninsula Blue Zoners' diet. Meanwhile, last year the average individual from the United States ate 222.2 pounds of meat and poultry. Heres how to plan a trip to the Blue Zone in Costa Rica. They find joy in everyday physical chores. Costa Rica is one of the few tropical countries where its safe to drink tap water even for foreigners and theres no need to buy plastic water bottles. 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. Montezuma: Best Hotels in Costa Rica. 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. You may opt-out by. Centenarians seem to have enjoyed physical work of all their lives. At the southern tip of the peninsula is Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. It's also an area identified as a "Blue Zone . You can replicate some of the long-life characteristics of the Nicoya Peninsula on a trip to Costa Ricas Blue Zone and then turn them into healthy habits when you return home. 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. Rhuigi Villaseor Kept His Foot On The Gas. Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! To my delight, Costa Rica has its own Blue Zone - the Nicoya Peninsula! Buettner approached National Geograhic with his idea and they agreed to help fund his research. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. One Nicoyan, a centenarian, said he knew death would eventually come for him but it is the love for his children that motivates him to keep going every day. The Peninsula is covered by spectacular beaches that host nature's best. One is the plan de vida, or reason to live, which propels a positive outlook among elders and helps keep them active. 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. Thanks to the peninsula's reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. A stay at Nantipa will help you have a true Blue Zone adventure, especially if you book its transcendental wellness experience. Swimming holes dot the peninsula too, including beneath the Montezuma waterfall. 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. As indicated by the World Health Organization, "active or positive aging is the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age". People who have diabetes, heart conditions, or are overweight tend to have a more difficult time if they are infected by COVID-19. In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average lifespan is 85 among the world's highest. 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. So, Nicoya is another blue zone in the world alongside Okinawa (Japan), Cerdea (Italia), Icaria (Greece) and Loma Linda (California). 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.) Along with starting every morning with a healthy breakfast, Nicoyans also eat nutritious food throughout the day. So, having extra-hard water may help keep Nicoyans' hearts strong, and longer. I cant blame you. March 2nd, 2023. Beyond this context, however, the health authorities are taking measures to help Costa Ricans reach over 80 years of age in good health. Black bean starter To a small pot over medium-low heat, add one can of rinsed black beans. For most of their lives, Nicoyan centenarians ate a traditional Mesoamerican diet highlighted with the three sisters of agriculture: squash, corn, and beans. seen in blue zones. - save 10% Plus other perks . I also suggest watching his TED Talk. 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. Moais are a powerful social tradition that create feelings of belonging, purpose and security. This treasure includes the atmosphere around you." Dinner is typically a light meal, consumed early in the evening which allows plenty of time for digestion before bed. 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. 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." 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. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. While we may not increase the average life expectancy throughout the world we can use Nicoya as a template for healthier living. 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). Alternatively, Blue. 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. Montezuma is great for long beach walks and jungle hikes. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Nicoyans attribute much of their longevity to social values of faith and family. Do you have any questions about the Costa Rica Blue Zone? 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. 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.

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