why is nicoya, costa rica a blue zone

Blue Zones Nicoya | Santa Cruz - Facebook Despite that, the area has many of the same ideals that the rest of Costa Ricans have. Casado - the Blue Zone lunch | The Garum Factory Blue Zones: How The World's Oldest People Make Their Money Last - Forbes Because of this, they enjoy extremely low rates of heart disease. 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. 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. Technology permeates everyday life and Nicoya is the perfect place to go for a digital detox. In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average life span is 85among the world's highest. That sense of purpose drives them in all aspects of their lives. While we may not increase the average life expectancy throughout the world we can use Nicoya as a template for healthier living. It is home to some of the most active, hard-working, and friendliest people on earth. Costa Rica Blue Zone: Learn the Secrets to a Long and Happy Life There are other blue zones in California, Italy, Greece, and Japan. 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. 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. Blessed with sandy beaches and tropical forest, it's something of a backpackers' paradise. The Nicoya Peninsula, a Blue Zone in Costa Rica, is renowned for its tranquil, laid-back ambiance. 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. 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. Want to Live Longer? Come to Nicoya, Costa Rica, One of the World's 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. Nicoya is located on the Guanacaste peninsula in Costa Rica, and is considered one of the 7 blue zones found worldwide. It is believed that one factor which may contribute to the high number of Nicoyan centenarians is the high calcium content in the water. Costa Rica - Why is it Considered a Blue Zone? - TraveLLuxCurator Costa Rica Tourism Board, Institutional Site, Costa Rica Convention Center, Promotional Site, Costa Rica Tourism Board | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map. Report from the 'Blue Zone': Why Do People Live Long in Costa Rica? Take a trip to one of these Blue Zones to learn the secret of living Many of us in Western countries know we need to eat less junk and add more natural food to our diets. Having a Blue Zone helps strengthen the country's constant striving for quality of life, both for Costa Ricans and for tourists. 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. According to researchers, most inhabitants live to at least the age of 90. Nicoya. Costa Rica indeed does celebrate its elderly citizens; every person who has a 100 th birthday is . The Blue Zone of Costa Rica | Costa Rica Christies 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. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. The Peninsula is covered by spectacular beaches that host nature's best. Nicoya, the "Blue Zone" in Costa Rica The Costa Rica News These cookies do not store any personal information. By comparison, a person in the United States can reasonably expect to live to just 77, according to federal census data. These centenarians help teach us the value of those important little things," said Mauricio Ventura, Minister of Tourism, with pride. Nicoya, Costa Rica, is a Central American Caribbean nation that boasts economic security and excellent health care. This treasure includes the atmosphere around you." 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). Specifically, the rural landscapes of the Nicoya Peninsula, where people have some of the longest lifespans in the world. 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. Modern Nicoyans roots to the indigenous Chorotega and their traditions have enabled them to remain relatively free of stress. 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? Everywhere you go in Costa Rica, youll hear pura vida! and soon feel the freedom to adopt the pura vida lifestyle yourself. These geographical areas are considered special, because most people live at least 90 and often over 100 years of age. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. You can, thanks to the world's "blue zones." So, what's the secret behind our region's long life? The Nicoya Peninsula, in Costa Rica, is one of them, . That means family ties are the backbone for most peoples existence. Its very interesting, and I mean, who doesnt love a good TED Talk? Why is Costa Rica a blue zone? - 2023 - fiosdl.hioctanefuel.com Directions: Toss the cabbage with the orange juice, season with salt and pepper and let sit 30 minutes. 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. Most people in this area never move. By TCRN STAFF October 5, 2022 528 0 Most residents here live to be over the age of 90 and there's a high number of centenarians as well. 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. Do you have any questions about the Costa Rica Blue Zone? Nantipa means blue in the language of the Chorotega people, some of the first known people to live in the Nicoya region. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2008-2023 Law Dissertation Writing Services. 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. 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. 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. O que so Zonas Azuis? For those who might need some meal ideas, Dan Buettner, wrote the Blue Zones Kitchen cookbook. 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. They typically do not consume a lot of meat. All Rights Reserved. Or, get your zen on at La Senda, the wellness center on a 74-acre forested property near Tamarindo. Buettner's studies on the Nicoya Peninsula revealed eight key factors that affect people's life expectancy. But we must also consider the impact of our individual health and lifestyle choices on future generations. Some sea turtles have even lived to age 150. We can no longer afford to allow the COVID pandemic to cause us to live in or out of a place of fear. It is fascinating to see which factors play into long lifespan including how you can emulate this lifestyle. Nicoya, Costa Rica - Blue Zones These characteristics are: Despite this, it is believed that 30% of a long healthy life comes from genes and 70% is based on lifestyle. Get to Know the Secrets of Costa Rica's Blue Zone We are always happy to help you out! Surprisingly, happiness and keeping a focus on family are two of the main components. On today's podcast, Gina does some serious myth-busting about what has kept the centenarians so well, for so long. Nicoya honey - Blue Zones Nicoya 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. Rice and black beans, gallo pinto, served with eggs and tropical fruit. 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. Check out all of our favorite travel companies. If coming from San Jose, the easiest way to get to the Nicoya Peninsula is to take the ferry from Puntarenas. Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula is a Blue Zone for long life | Enchanting Get your fill of fresh fruits like pineapple, mango, papaya, banana, and passionfruit and vegetables and legumes like squash, cassava, plantain, yam, and beans. Nicoya is located far off in Northeastern Costa Rica. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. When Dan Buettner introduced the concept of Blue Zones, he formed the Blue Zones Project. In a few, unique communities around the globe, people live long and heathy lives, up to and past 100. 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. All of the international experts agreed that the factors that make healthy longevity possible must be communicated worldwide, in order to reflect on the implications of Blue Zones, unique geographical areas with a high concentration of inhabitants who live to ninety or one hundred years of age, whose aging process is positive, and most importantly, deliberate and active. Poor communities are notorious for living in food deserts. 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. The town of Nicoya is considered the oldest in Costa Rica, it is popularly known as "the colonial city". Loma Linda, California. 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. Nicoyans attribute much of their longevity to social values of faith and family. The traditional diet in the area is also notable. 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. Actually, it is home. Living Past 100: The Okinawan Diet and Blue Zone Centenarians 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. 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. One thing I found especially interesting is the idea that this long life span is dying out. Blue Zones: Want To Live To 100? - Elite Healthy Living Nicoya is famous for being a marvelous playground for surfers all over the world. 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. They know how to listen, laugh, and appreciate what they have. 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. 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. 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. Also, calcium is important for bones. The chance to do yoga in an open-air pavilion on the beach is not to be missed! Why people in 'Blue Zones' are outliving all of us | MDLinx Having worked with the pioneers in mind-body research and psychoneuroimmunology. . Your email address will not be published. Currently, three emblematic examples of this Blue Zone include the centenarians Jos Bonifacio "Pachito" Villegas, from Pochote de Quebrada Honda, Nicoya, who rides a horse every day at age 100, Trinidad Espinoza, who recounts anecdotes from Costa Rica in the 1930s continuously while she feeds her chickens, and Dmaso Mendoza, age 102, who, on receiving a visitor, always talks about her years as a dancer and how she enjoys the company of the five generations of her family in Santa Ana de Beln, Carillo. Sustainability is said to be a way of life, and Costa Rica has actually reversed deforestation; protects more than a quarter of its landmass via 29 national parks, 19 wildlife refuges, and eight biological reserves; gets 93 percent of its electricity from renewable resources, and aims to be completely decarbonized by 2050. 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. Nicoya: the secret to a longer life - NATIVU blog 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. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. Nicoyan centenarians have been the focus of many articles. 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. However, Costa Rica's blue zone is so much more. It is not unusual for several generations to gather on a regular basis for lively gatherings. We can start making healthier choices today, thus living more enriching lives and encouraging others to adopt similar healthy ways of living. This vigorous village is one of the Blue Zones' unique hotspots. We have obtained information from Nicoya, Costa Rica on ways to live longer and be happier. 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. Costa Rica as a whole is a happy place. Is it Something in the Water? - ABC News 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. Costa Rica's 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. 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. Wildlife is abundant. January 18, 2022 . 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 helps them remain positive. All rights reserved. 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. 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. Imagine yourself in a future not-so-distant, where more conscious lifestyle decisions you make at an individual level, are supported by a branch of medicine that attempts to change the course of diseases and regenerates failing parts of our bodies. 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. English is widely spoken and the town has lots of tourist infrastructure with a wide variety of restaurant and accommodation choices. 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. Throughout the world, the average life expectancy is 71 years of age (70 for males and 72 for females). 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." This is an excerpt fromBlue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longestby Dan Buettner, copyright 2008, all rights reserved. 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). I will be visiting Costa Rica next week to meet with Jorge who founded a local organization that helps the small Blue Zone villages. 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. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Get some sensible sun. 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. Nearby is the Barra Honda National Park with its caves, the Monte Alto Nature Reserve where a variety of orchids grow, and other natural reserves where you can see wildlife. My Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Retreat. A stay at Nantipa will help you have a true Blue Zone adventure, especially if you book its transcendental wellness experience. Fish is a lean protein and provides oils which help with overall brain function. 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. They have groups of friend with whom they share healthy habits.". Buettner approached National Geograhic with his idea and they agreed to help fund his research. In these areas people have low rates of chronic diseases, so they tend to live longer than in other places. Inadequate calcium means weak muscles -- including the heart. 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. Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! Full of natural beauty, endless sunlight, white beaches and radiant ocean, Nicoya reigns as one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica. One is the plan de vida, or reason to live, which propels a positive outlook among elders and helps keep them active. Centenarian Dietary Secrets - The Weston A. Price Foundation 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. 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. Costa Rica's Blue Zone - Special Places of Costa Rica It includes black beans, cooked plantains, fresh papaya, yams, squash, homemade corn tortillas, and fish (if near the coast). The daily breakfast consists of gallo pinto (rice and beans) with a basket of homemade corn tortillas and hot coffee. Gone are the days of making your own food and growing organic produce. 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. They begin each meal with a prayer. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). Nicoya isn't full of marathon runners . People often consider the impact of global decisions on future generations through legislation. 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.

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