The Ikarians and the Ikaria is another one of the Blue Zones, and the Costa Ricans, Nicoya, they're taking a nap. Nicoyans attribute much of their longevity to social values of faith and family. LIKED THIS? It is a template outlining the lifestyles of people who live in places like Nicoya, Costa Rica. It is not unusual for many generations to live on one property or in very close proximity to each other. You can hike along trails, go horseback riding, kayak through the mangroves, and swim off the beach. Hi! Its difficult to maintain family bonds and friendships when school and work take us far from home, into strange communities. 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. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. 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. He has written numerous books on the topic, but I suggest starting with: Blue Zones of Happiness and The Blue Zones Kitchen (a cookbook). These cookies do not store any personal information. Making the smart choice in traditional Blue Zones is often the only choice available, not really a choice at all. About two hours down the coast from Tamarindo is Nosara, Nicoyas yoga center (the Nosara Yoga Institute here offers teacher training). The proper mindset about longevity is not about aspiring to live to a very old age, but to enjoy the best quality of life possible during the last ten years we live, says Alvaro Cedeno-Molinari, a former Costa Rican diplomat and ambassador who works intensely promoting bioliteracy, regeneration, and well-being as holistic healthy mindsets. 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 is a small, rural beach community located on the Guanacaste peninsula on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Nicoyan centenarians get frequent visits from neighbors. Get your fill of fresh fruits like pineapple, mango, papaya, banana, and passionfruit and vegetables and legumes like squash, cassava, plantain, yam, and beans. O segreto da Zona Azul de Nicoya. If we can harness that, we can hopefully improve the health of future generations. Moais are a powerful social tradition that create feelings of belonging, purpose and security. What we can incorporate about Nicoya into our culture is the sense of purpose Nicoyans enjoy. Nicoya, Costa Rica, is a Central American Caribbean nation that boasts economic security and excellent health care. Another is a focus on family and a special ability to listen and laugh. These geographical areas are considered special, because most people live at least 90 and often over 100 years of age. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. You may opt-out by. While starting the day off with rice and beans may not be an ideal breakfast for most people, the key to a healthy breakfast is one rich with protein, complex carbs, and antioxidants (minus the preservatives). Lane reasons why Chicago should use the Blue Zones template to improve the lives of people who live there. A three-course farm-to-table dinner with a tour of the organic garden is available Mondays and Thursdays. Try cutting out some meat and replacing it with fresh vegetables and fruit. The gateway to the Nicoya Peninsula is the beach town of Tamarindo on the west coast, which is very popular with international travelers. Costa Rica as a whole is a happy place. Montezuma: Best Hotels in Costa Rica. The reason why they are called "blue zones" is a curious story Despite that, the area has many of the same ideals that the rest of Costa Ricans have. 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My fourth investigation into exactly what our Blue Zone folks eat has left this dietitian, well, intrigued. Technology permeates everyday life and Nicoya is the perfect place to go for a digital detox. That sense of purpose drives them in all aspects of their lives. The Nicoyan way of life can enlighten people to make choices that will help to increase their life expectancy. 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. Oftentimes, this helps maintain healthy and supportive relationships within their communities, and develop a strong sense of faith and purpose along the way. This is a BETA experience. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. One of the world's Blue Zones is in Nicoya, Costa Rica. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. WED LOVE IF YOUD ADD IT ON PINTEREST! 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. Where are the world's Blue Zones located? Many of us in Western countries know we need to eat less junk and add more natural food to our diets. Their traditional diet of fortified maize and beans may be the best nutritional combination for longevity the world has ever known. For the first time ever, the world's most prominent researchers shared their knowledge and most recent research on the topic of Blue Zones. These cantons are: Carillo, Hojancha, Nicoya, Santa Cruz, and Nandoyure. Guevara lives in the Nicoya peninsula of Costa Rica. They find joy in everyday physical chores. Toss gently. This Central American nation isn't that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Results were also shared from the research carried out by the demographer Luis Rosero and Dr. Elizabeth Lopez, both from Costa Rica, who made significant contributions on the subject of healthy longevity. Eating fewer calories appears to be one of the surest ways to add years to your life. In these areas people have low rates of chronic diseases, so they tend to live longer than in other places. In other words, Nicoyans receive a healthy dose of vitamins in their daily diet. Costa Rica Experts 2023. Lunch is the main meal in Costa Rica (its better for your digestion to eat a bigger breakfast and lunch and a lighter dinner). I feel lucky to have found this information, though the credit doesn't belong to me, but rather to the older residents. 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. 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. What are Blue Zones? So why is it that the people of Nicoya outlive so many others? Scarlet macaws are bred in Tambor and youll have a chance of seeing them, even on the beach. 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). Nicoya is located far off in Northeastern Costa Rica. The traditional diet in the area is also notable. When you book through our trusted partners we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Tamarindo is the most popular destination for international visitors with its golden beaches, many with consistent and gentle surfing waves, and nearby national parks and wildlife refuges. But we must also consider the impact of our individual health and lifestyle choices on future generations. He then had the idea to research areas in the world with the longest lifespan. There are five areas of the world that meet the qualifications of Blue Zone as defined by Buettner. Rooms have a mini fridge and theres a communal kitchen plus bikes to rent. For most Americans, an entrance ramp for a new lifestyle change is through their mouth, Buettner says. 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. We are always happy to help you out! 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". 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. The peninsula is one of the worlds five Blue Zones where many people live exceptionally long and healthy lives. Sardinia, Italy. They typically do not consume a lot of meat. While Nicoyans start their day by eating a healthy breakfast, their diet is not the only secret to living long lives. The Nicoya Peninsula has five cantons where middle-age morality is lowest and centenarians are the most abundant. Living Hotel partners with the Spacio spa, a five-minute walk away, which has several treatments geared to surfers. Blessed with sandy beaches and tropical forest, it's something of a backpackers' paradise. 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. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 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. Meanwhile, last year the average individual from the United States ate 222.2 pounds of meat and poultry. There will be a lot to learn and a lot to do to get back to a healthier normal. Not long after, he began to lead trips to the first Blue Zones that he had discovered. We have a full guide to the ferry here. 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. Dan discovered five places where residents have low rates of chronic disease and live longer than anywhere else. 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. 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. At the southern tip of the peninsula is Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. Nicoya is famous for being a marvelous playground for surfers all over the world. Its very interesting, and I mean, who doesnt love a good TED Talk? Nicoya, Costa Rica. seen in blue zones. 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. 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. 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? 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). They feel needed and want to contribute to a greater good. The Nicoya Peninsula has several on offer, including near Tamarindo, outside the Cabo Blanco Reserve near Playa Mal Pais, and above the Montezuma waterfall. This information has been translated into lessons that can be implemented into your everyday life. Old people often have too little calcium in their bodies. In a few, unique communities around the globe, people live long and heathy lives, up to and past 100. Moderate alcohol intake, especially wine. English is widely spoken and the town has lots of tourist infrastructure with a wide variety of restaurant and accommodation choices. Long-living creatures like sea turtles are frequent visitors to the Blue Zone too. Or, get your zen on at La Senda, the wellness center on a 74-acre forested property near Tamarindo. The term first emerged in 2005 in a Nation Geographic magazine cover, "The Secrets of a Long Life.". In mid-November 2017, the first World Meeting of Blue Zones was held. Buettner approached National Geograhic with his idea and they agreed to help fund his research. Over the last several months, the world has mourned the loss of hundreds of thousands of 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. One is the plan de vida, or reason to live, which propels a positive outlook among elders and helps keep them active. The heart is a muscle, and all muscle contractions depend on calcium. Read more below about the lessons that Nicoya, Costa Rica can teach you about longevity. The centenarians of the Nicoya Peninsula have also captured the interest of the Institute of Social Studies in Population (Instituto de Estudios Sociales en Poblacin, IDESPO) of the National University (Universidad Nacional) of Costa Rica, which is carrying out a study on the subject this year. This Central American nation isnt that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. This healthy breakfast gives them the nutrients they need for a day of tending crops and livestock. 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. 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. The world has a number of 'Blue Zones', areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. Is the Nicoya Peninsula good for a Wellness getaway? He then went on release a book The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who Have Lived the Longest in 2008. The Peninsula is covered by spectacular beaches that host nature's best. 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. Would you like to visit the Nicoya Peninsula? 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. This provides the nutrition they need to work hard during the day. 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." Throughout the world, the average life expectancy is 71 years of age (70 for males and 72 for females). 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. The five blue zones are: Loma Linda, California; Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. Check out all of our favorite travel companies. 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. 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. Protein helps to rebuild and repair tissue, as well as it helps a person to feel full. Staples of the traditional Nicoya diet include homemade corn tortillas, black beans, white rice, a variety of squash, yams, papaya, bananas, and pejibayes. People often consider the impact of global decisions on future generations through legislation. Another option is to take the 75-minute ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya from Puntarenas to Paquera. By comparison, a person in the United States can reasonably expect to live to just 77, according to federal census data. Full of natural beauty, endless sunlight, white beaches and radiant ocean, Nicoya reigns as one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica. Try spending quality times with your loved ones. The baby turtles hatch 45 to 54 days later and, if theyre lucky, might live another 50 to 80 years. This vigorous village is one of the Blue Zones' unique hotspots. Try our meal idea that reflects elements of the Nicoyan Peninsula Blue Zoners' diet. 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. 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. The most popular towns to visit here are Montezuma and Santa Teresa. 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 one of our favorite places in Costa Rica and most likely where we would move if we ever moved to the beach. He finished, stating emphatically "please keep it and put the new generation on the same line in the treasure of this Blue Zone.". They have groups of friend with whom they share healthy habits.". Research shows that 30% of longevity comes from genes, and the remaining 70% from lifestyle. 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. Many Nicoyans choose to walk from one destination to another instead of driving. The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. This is due to key decisions the country has taken through its history that have positively affected its performance in social progress, environment, society and overall peace indicators, explains Daniel Valverde, Essential Costa Rica country brand director. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. The Nicoya Peninsula is on Costa Ricas north Pacific coast. It is the reason why the founder of Omega Institute set up Blue Spirit in Nosara and a Longevity center. Black beans contain high doses of antioxidants and they are eaten for almost every meal among Nicoyans (and most Costa Ricans). 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. There are four similar places on earth: Costa Ricas Nicoya Peninsula, Okinawa in Japan, the Greek island of Ikaria, as well as Loma Linda in California (though that one might just be due to its large population of Seventh-day Adventists and their healthy lifestyle). While we may not increase the average life expectancy throughout the world we can use Nicoya as a template for healthier living. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The forest here is more tropical than further north and is home to deer, pacas, monkeys, armadillos, laughing gulls, pelicans, frigates, and brown boobies. In other words, it lives longer than the average global life expectancy. Nantipas special wellness booking includes yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic and sound therapies, and sessions with wellness coaches and personal trainers. 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. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. A stay at Nantipa will help you have a true Blue Zone adventure, especially if you book its transcendental wellness experience. 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. Though Chicago is not one of those cities that uses the template outlined in the Blue Zones Project, the city could adapt to the Blue Zones principals.

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