Gone are the days of making your own food and growing organic produce. Community. However, Costa Rica's blue zone is so much more. That means family ties are the backbone for most peoples existence. 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. 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. Access to natural foods and organic fruits and vegetables (stables of the Nicoyans) is difficult to come by. These cantons are: Carillo, Hojancha, Nicoya, Santa Cruz, and Nandoyure. Blue Zones Nicoya desarrolla alimentos, bebidas y suplementos inspirados en los centenarios de la. 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. Nicoya is a small, rural beach community located on the Guanacaste peninsula on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. The most southerly point is Cabo Blanco Reserve and the south coast also has the town of Tambor. 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. 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. Nicoyans often live more than 100 years and Nicoya boasts of the highest number of centenarians in the world. Barra Honda is on the peninsulas northeast about a half hours drive from the town of Nicoya. They feel needed and want to contribute to a greater good. 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. 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. To understand some of the reasons why Blue-Zoners live healthier, longer lives, let's take another look at Ricardo's daily routine. Longevity then would not be a luxury only reserved for a few living in Blue Zones, but a reality for billions.. In terms of a definition, these zones are geographical areas with a high concentration of long-lived populations, who frequently reach ninety or one hundred years of age. 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). 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 . We hope you love the Blue Zone Costa Rica stays we recommend. The baby turtles hatch 45 to 54 days later and, if theyre lucky, might live another 50 to 80 years. American researcher, Dan Buettner, discovered that people in these areas shared several lifestyle characteristics: They don't smoke; They eat a plant-based diet Check out all of our favorite travel companies. Poor communities are notorious for living in food deserts. Where are the world's Blue Zones located? 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. The sustainable and equitable promotion of the long-living population of seniors and the establishment of a cultural agenda aimed at strengthening sustainable, rural, community tourism stood out among the commitments made. Throughout the world, the average life expectancy is 71 years of age (70 for males and 72 for females). 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. 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). It consists of 100 recipes with ingredients used by those who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica and the other four Blue Zones. 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. It includes black beans, cooked plantains, fresh papaya, yams, squash, homemade corn tortillas, and fish (if near the coast). 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. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. Their traditional diet of fortified maize and beans may be the best nutritional combination for longevity the world has ever known. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. They also practice good physical and mental health. The volcanic beach has calm swimming in Bahia Ballena (despite the name, whales are no longer frequent visitors), and theres birdwatching and hiking along the Rio Panica. 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). One thing I found especially interesting is the idea that this long life span is dying out. 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." Centenarians seem to have enjoyed physical work of all their lives. 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. 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!) Its difficult to maintain family bonds and friendships when school and work take us far from home, into strange communities. Directions: Toss the cabbage with the orange juice, season with salt and pepper and let sit 30 minutes. Going down the west coast from Tamarindo youll find several beach towns, most notably yoga center Nosara and surfers paradise Santa Teresa. They eat many fruits and vegetables often grown on their own lands, and they tend not to consume much meat. 11 talking about this. Its one of our favorite places in Costa Rica and most likely where we would move if we ever moved to the beach. So, Nicoya is another blue zone in the world alongside Okinawa (Japan), Cerdea (Italia), Icaria (Greece) and Loma Linda (California). Another is a focus on family and a special ability to listen and laugh. Do you ever wish you could know the secrets to a long and happy life? Learn more about typical diet with our Guide to Costa Rican Food. 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. In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average life span is 85among the world's highest. 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. Here are some of the factors that make Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula a blue zone worth visiting. Now I was excited to roam off the beaten path into a world-famous Nicoya Peninsula blue zone. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Face-to-Face Conversations. A stay at Nantipa will help you have a true Blue Zone adventure, especially if you book its transcendental wellness experience. 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.) On today's podcast, Gina does some serious myth-busting about what has kept the centenarians so well, for so long. This Central American nation isn't that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. Let's start with our home - the Nicoya Peninsula.This tropical region in the north west of Costa Rica, has the world's lowest rate of middle-aged mortality, and the second highest amount of men over 100 years of age. 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." And a breakfast rich with antioxidants helps to protect a persons cells from disease. Rhuigi Villaseor Kept His Foot On The Gas. So, having extra-hard water may help keep Nicoyans' hearts strong, and longer. 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. 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. 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. 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. Sardinia, Italy. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Despite that, the area has many of the same ideals that the rest of Costa Ricans have. Getting up in the air on tree canopy tours via ziplines and rope bridges is popular throughout Costa Rica. Many of us in Western countries know we need to eat less junk and add more natural food to our diets. 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. Physical activity, diet, good mineral-rich water, friends, a satisfying job, eating light in the evening, and a "plan de vida" are the other aspects. 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. Go to a soda, thats the name of a small, local caf, and look for casado this popular dish is rice and beans served with vegetables and either fish or meat. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 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. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, In mid-November 2017, the first World Meeting of Blue Zones was held. Lane reasons why Chicago should use the Blue Zones template to improve the lives of people who live there. The term 'Blue Zone' was coined by Dan Buettner, a New York Times bestselling author, who was studying areas to some of the oldest people in the world. When you book through our trusted partners we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. There will be a lot to learn and a lot to do to get back to a healthier normal. People often consider the impact of global decisions on future generations through legislation. To my delight, Costa Rica has its own Blue Zone - the Nicoya Peninsula! 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. 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. Would you like to visit the Nicoya Peninsula? I suggest visiting Cabuya (a small town between Montezuma and Santa Teresa) or San Francisco de Coyote (a remote beach town). Some sea turtles have even lived to age 150. Along with starting every morning with a healthy breakfast, Nicoyans also eat nutritious food throughout the day. El propsito de la compaa es promover y crear conciencia sobre el consumo de productos de alta calidad, con valor nutricional y . This provides the nutrition they need to work hard during the day. Just note, you might have trouble finding a place to stay. The town of Nicoya is considered the oldest in Costa Rica, it is popularly known as "the colonial city". 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". You may opt-out by. They typically do not consume a lot of meat. Your email address will not be published. They know how to listen, laugh, and appreciate what they have. So, what's the secret behind our region's long life? The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. Oftentimes, this helps maintain healthy and supportive relationships within their communities, and develop a strong sense of faith and purpose along the way. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. Also, we would love to hear your thoughts on Blue Zones and what constitutes a long lifestyle. The forest here is more tropical than further north and is home to deer, pacas, monkeys, armadillos, laughing gulls, pelicans, frigates, and brown boobies. Hi, my name is Mike Gillespie & I'm fundraising to help support the Blue Zone communities in Nicoya Costa Rica. Meanwhile, last year the average individual from the United States ate 222.2 pounds of meat and poultry. Maintaining close ties with family and friends helps reduce stress. 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. By TCRN STAFF October 5, 2022 528 0 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. March 2nd, 2023. Many Nicoyans choose to walk from one destination to another instead of driving. Still planning? It is not unusual for many generations to live on one property or in very close proximity to each other. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. 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. The five blue zones are: Loma Linda, California; Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. mobile app. The daily breakfast consists of gallo pinto (rice and beans) with a basket of homemade corn tortillas and hot coffee. My fourth investigation into exactly what our Blue Zone folks eat has left this dietitian, well, intrigued. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Blue zones are regions where some of the oldest and healthiest people live. 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. obesity, or heart disease. Rare species like pumas, ocelots, and margay cats make their home here too. Nicoya is a small, rural beach community located on the Guanacaste peninsula on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. It's also an area identified as a "Blue Zone . Nicoya isn't full of marathon runners . This Blue Zone is in the mountains of the Nicoyan Peninsula in western 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. The Adventists are praying. I have been exploring the data reported by National Geographic and Dan Buettner in the Blue Zones Solution: . If we can harness that, we can hopefully improve the health of future generations. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. I cant blame you. They wake up. 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. Lane cites the impact of COVID-19 on minorities like Blacks and Hispanics throughout Chicago. These regions are considered Blue Zones. 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. 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. 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. Try opting to walk places instead of driving. Black bean starter To a small pot over medium-low heat, add one can of rinsed black beans. That is when brands, businesses and cities will be able to look at Blue Zones like the one in Nicoya and find a model to follow. 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). Inadequate calcium means weak muscles -- including the heart. The most popular towns to visit here are Montezuma and Santa Teresa. 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. 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. 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). 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. 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 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. It is fascinating to see which factors play into long lifespan including how you can emulate this lifestyle. A "Blue Zone" is an area of the world where it is typical for people to live past 100 years old. 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. Surprisingly, happiness and keeping a focus on family are two of the main components. So why is it that the people of Nicoya outlive so many others? Thanks to the peninsulas reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). 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. The beautiful view of the beaches may also have a hand in this. Nantipas special wellness booking includes yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic and sound therapies, and sessions with wellness coaches and personal trainers. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Many believe it will be through the cutting-edge innovations of regenerative medicine that the privileges of the Blue Zones can be democratized, so that anyone, anywhere, and at any time has access to the technology that allows us to replenish, replace and rejuvenate our physical bodies., What weve witnessed during 2020 are healthcare systems around the world that are reactive, bureaucratic, inefficient, and saturated. 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.
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