For most Americans, an entrance ramp for a new lifestyle change is through their mouth, Buettner says. About two hours down the coast from Tamarindo is Nosara, Nicoyas yoga center (the Nosara Yoga Institute here offers teacher training). These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. Due to the Nicoya Peninsula's location in Central America, the area has an abundance of warm days with tons of sunlight. Costa Rica is generally a healthy country because its government decided that education, healthcare, and protecting the environment are more important than funding its armed forces and it abolished its army in 1948. Blue Zones Nicoya desarrolla alimentos, bebidas y suplementos inspirados en los centenarios de la. Try our meal idea that reflects elements of the Nicoyan Peninsula Blue Zoners' diet. That means family ties are the backbone for most peoples existence. 1 - The Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. Why Nicoya is Considered One of the Anti-Aging Zones in the World Few really know what aging is and how it can be controlled, here experts from Costa Rica and around the world talk about it and define the Nicoya Peninsula as one of those with the most long-lived people. Having a Blue Zone helps strengthen the country's constant striving for quality of life, both for Costa Ricans and for tourists. People often consider the impact of global decisions on future generations through legislation. Alternatively, Blue. A stay at Nantipa will help you have a true Blue Zone adventure, especially if you book its transcendental wellness experience. These cookies do not store any personal information. This treasure includes the atmosphere around you." But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Still planning? Located on the Guanacaste Peninsula in northwestern Costa Rica, Nicoya is a rural, beachside, blue-zone community. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2008-2023 Law Dissertation Writing Services. All Rights Reserved. - save 10% Plus other perks . Complex carbs provide the energy a person needs to get through the day. The Peninsula is covered by spectacular beaches that host nature's best. It was time for me to conquer the Nicoya Peninsula. That sense of purpose drives them in all aspects of their lives. They feel needed and want to contribute to a greater good. Compreende os 5 cantos da Pennsula de Nicoya: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz e Nicoya. Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! 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!) One is the plan de vida, or reason to live, which propels a positive outlook among elders and helps keep them active. 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. 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. Would you like to visit the Nicoya Peninsula? These Blue Zones have a direct link to the promotion of tourism in the country, since it fits in well wellness tourism. They know how to listen, laugh, and appreciate what they have. Blue Zones, those special places on earth where people live longer and healthier lives, first came to prominence in the ground-breaking book by Dan Buettner, Blue Zones. 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. 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. A "Blue Zone" is an area of the world where it is typical for people to live past 100 years old. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. Guevara lives in the Nicoya peninsula of Costa Rica. Spirituality and religious involvement/ beliefs. The heart is a muscle, and all muscle contractions depend on calcium. Successful centenarians have a strong sense of purpose. Nicoyans attribute much of their longevity to social values of faith and family. 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. 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. At the southern tip of the peninsula is Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. Nicoya, Costa Rica. When that day comes, Nicoyas Blue Zone will continue to be an example of the resiliency of the human body and spirit. Not only do they live longer, their metabolism is better, the levels of cognitive impairment are lower, and they function at a higher level. Nicoya, Costa Rica. 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. We hope you love the Blue Zone Costa Rica stays we recommend. 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. This Blue Zone is in the mountains of the Nicoyan Peninsula in western Costa Rica. While we may not increase the average life expectancy throughout the world we can use Nicoya as a template for healthier living. "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. There will be a lot to learn and a lot to do to get back to a healthier normal. Nicoya was introduced as a Blue Zone in a 2004 National Geographic article by Dan Buettner. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. Nicoyan centenarians get frequent visits from neighbors. When you book through our trusted partners we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Moais are a powerful social tradition that create feelings of belonging, purpose and security. Nicoyans eat a light dinner early in the evening. All of our step by step Costa Rica planning tips in one spot. Youre sure to be on the path to a long and healthy life after the four-handed Abundance Treatment, which combines Reiki, Shiatsu, Swedish massage, sound and aromatherapy, and acupressure. In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average lifespan is 85 among the world's highest. Many Nicoyans choose to walk from one destination to another instead of driving. Moderate alcohol intake, especially wine. 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. 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. In a few, unique communities around the globe, people live long and heathy lives, up to and past 100. 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. In the interior, the town of Nicoya is one of Costa Ricas oldest and also has one of the countrys oldest churches the Parroquia San Blas, first built in 1544. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Rare species like pumas, ocelots, and margay cats make their home here too. For many the hope is that the lessons that these centenarians can teach us and the secrets of well-being and longevity that live in this extraordinary part of the world, will be able benefit all of humanity in the future. 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. 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 five known Blue Zones identified in Buettner's book include:. The chance to do yoga in an open-air pavilion on the beach is not to be missed! "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. What are Blue Zones? Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. 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. What we can incorporate about Nicoya into our culture is the sense of purpose Nicoyans enjoy. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The Adobe Rent-A-Car discount includes.. DISCOUNTED SMARTPHONE USAGE WITH UNLIMITED DATA. Nantipa means blue in the language of the Chorotega people, some of the first known people to live in the Nicoya region. 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.) We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. The Nicoya Peninsula is on Costa Ricas north Pacific coast. 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. They have a simplistic lifestyle - Nicoyans ordinarily make a living as farmers and or cattle ranchers, and this consistent activity is said to be one of the reasons for their longevity. Rice and black beans, gallo pinto, served with eggs and tropical fruit. 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. I suggest visiting Cabuya (a small town between Montezuma and Santa Teresa) or San Francisco de Coyote (a remote beach town). It is the reason why the founder of Omega Institute set up Blue Spirit in Nosara and a Longevity center. 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. They first noticed that people in several villages on the Italian island of Sardinia were living well into their 90s and 100s and that they had few significant mental or physical health problems. In other words, people in these zones to live longer than any other areas in the world. 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. I cant blame you. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 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. I'm a Chief Metaverse Officer and a web3 luxury and fashion innovator. 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. Thanks to the peninsula's reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. LIKED THIS? Nicoyan centenarians have been the focus of many articles. This goes along with the decision to widen the country's tourism offerings and venture into industries with high potential, such as wellness tourism. This information has been translated into lessons that can be implemented into your everyday life. Nicoya is a small, rural beach community located on the Guanacaste peninsula on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. For more information read our privacy policy. March 2nd, 2023. 4. These cantons are: Carillo, Hojancha, Nicoya, Santa Cruz, and Nandoyure. 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. The expat community in Coco is generally older retirees, however, there are some younger expats running around. Contents1 Is Costa Rica considered [] He then had the idea to research areas in the world with the longest lifespan. Gone are the days of making your own food and growing organic produce. It requires descending 17 yards down a ladder to see cave formations that resemble fried eggs, popcorn, roses, and shark teeth. By encouraging Nicoyans belief community and sense of purpose through work, family, or nature, cities could help their poorest thrive. Thanks to the peninsulas reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. 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. 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. You can hike along trails, go horseback riding, kayak through the mangroves, and swim off the beach. So why is it that the people of Nicoya outlive so many others? When Dan Buettner introduced the concept of Blue Zones, he formed the Blue Zones Project. The Nicoyan way of life can enlighten people to make choices that will help to increase their life expectancy. I also suggest watching his TED Talk. What are Blue Zones? The forest here is more tropical than further north and is home to deer, pacas, monkeys, armadillos, laughing gulls, pelicans, frigates, and brown boobies. Heres how to plan a trip to the Blue Zone in Costa Rica. In an article in the Chicagoan, Marc J. 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. It was a spontaneous decision to move here, but it was the best decision! It remains to be seen if the COVID pandemic will affect that average. The baby turtles hatch 45 to 54 days later and, if theyre lucky, might live another 50 to 80 years. These centenarians help teach us the value of those important little things," said Mauricio Ventura, Minister of Tourism, with pride. 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. Now is the time for cities like Chicago to learn from the five Blue Zones throughout the world like Nicoya, Costa Rica. Montezuma: Best Hotels in Costa Rica. If we can harness that, we can hopefully improve the health of future generations. 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. Blessed with sandy beaches and tropical forest, it's something of a backpackers' paradise. Another is a focus on family and a special ability to listen and laugh. 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 supplement your diet and make sure youre getting enough of this vital nutrient. 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. The quality of Nicoyas water might be one of the reasons residents live long enough to become centenarians and almost-centenarians. 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. obesity, or heart disease. The world has a number of 'Blue Zones', areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. Loma Linda, California. 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. 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. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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). There are two trails for visitors and a pristine white sand beach. Eco-tourism is a natural must in this out-of-this-world scenario, where everything that happens is in a quiet, lovely pace. 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. Are We Headed To A World In Which We Own Nothing? Meanwhile, last year the average individual from the United States ate 222.2 pounds of meat and poultry. Most people in this area never move. According to the most recent data from the Ministry of Health, this region will be painted blue for many years to come, as over 900 people over 90 have been recorded, along with over 5,000 inhabitants over 75, the majority of whom enjoy good health in their old age. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. 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). Along with starting every morning with a healthy breakfast, Nicoyans also eat nutritious food throughout the day. Blue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longest. BOOK YOUR COSTA RICA RENTAL CAR AND SAVE 10%. In other words, it lives longer than the average global life expectancy. Not long after, he began to lead trips to the first Blue Zones that he had discovered. 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. Brand Storytelling At Sundance: Championing Excellence And Filmmakers With Purpose, Profitable ECommerce Growth For CPGs Is In Reach. Of course, there is still a desire for success (especially in the cities) but in general, the priorities are shifted. I had visited the famous Costa Rica "must-see" spots - Arenal, Manuel Antonio, the cloud forest, the Osa Peninsula - some of them a few times. 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. Protein helps to rebuild and repair tissue, as well as it helps a person to feel full. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, Warm, Sunny Climate. This vigorous village is one of the Blue Zones' unique hotspots. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. By Ty and Charlene Bollinger. Staples of the traditional Nicoya diet include homemade corn tortillas, black beans, white rice, a variety of squash, yams, papaya, bananas, and pejibayes. 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. They wake up. Technology permeates everyday life and Nicoya is the perfect place to go for a digital detox. Directions: Toss the cabbage with the orange juice, season with salt and pepper and let sit 30 minutes. There are five areas of the world that meet the qualifications of Blue Zone as defined by Buettner. Learn more about typical diet with our Guide to Costa Rican Food. Conzcanos. "The sense of community, shared purpose and celebration and appreciation for life in all its forms allows for a way of thriving that can even be seen today to have a connection to vitality and mitochondrial health." Nicoyas west and south coasts are the most popular for visitors and offer a wide range of accommodations and access to the peninsulas wilderness and activities. 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). Without a doubt, this is a challenge for the next generations, in the context of the world's age pyramid turning upside down, with ever more senior citizens. Who knows, maybe it will change your life! It is also one of the world's Blue Zones. 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. They embrace the relaxed Pura Vida lifestyle and family always comes first. Offering barefoot luxury on Playa Langosta this family-owned boutique hotel is a 15-minute walk from downtown Tamarindo. Nicoya is famous for being a marvelous playground for surfers all over the world. In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average life span is 85among the world's highest. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. However, both towns have a more touristy vibe to them. 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. Rhuigi Villaseor Kept His Foot On The Gas. Book a transfer from your hotel, opt for a shuttle or public bus, or take a domestic flight to one of the peninsulas larger towns. 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. Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Wellness enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. Longevity then would not be a luxury only reserved for a few living in Blue Zones, but a reality for billions.. 11 talking about this. These include Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece, and you guessed it; Nicoya, Costa Rica. A Blue Zone is the name given to one of the areas in the world where a majority of people have a life expectancy of at least 100 years old. Long-living creatures like sea turtles are frequent visitors to the Blue Zone too. 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. All rights reserved. Stir in two chopped plum tomatoes, half of a finely chopped onion and one . Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! 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. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. Nicoya is located on the Guanacaste peninsula in Costa Rica, and is considered one of the 7 blue zones found worldwide. Buettner had spent several years before penning the article leading expeditions including tracing Darwin's route in the Galapagos and Marco Polo's trip along the Silk Road. 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. We must make the health of future generations our responsibility by implementing the lifestyles of the Blue Zones people now. They include good physical and mental health, upholding a traditional diet, a deep faith and spirituality, support and respect to family networks that go across generations, where grandchildren spend time with their grandparents and share in their knowledge, physical activity and constant mobility, and a purpose in life associated with spirituality. 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. Actually, it is home. It is not unusual for many generations to live on one property or in very close proximity to each other. 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. The surroundings dictate ways of operating, not personal decisions. While the Blue Zones project Lane discusses isnt a cure for COVID-19, the principals lived by the people in those zones could increase the chance of livelihood for people of other cultures. 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. The most popular towns to visit here are Montezuma and Santa Teresa. This provides the nutrition they need to work hard during the day. So, having extra-hard water may help keep Nicoyans' hearts strong, and longer. They feel needed, and their daily lives revolve around their family and community. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border.

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