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. 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. These geographical areas are considered special, because most people live at least 90 and often over 100 years of age. They have groups of friend with whom they share healthy habits.". American researcher, Dan Buettner, discovered that people in these areas shared several lifestyle characteristics: They don't smoke; They eat a plant-based diet In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average life span is 85among the world's highest. A hike from the town of Montezuma will bring you past several cooling-off pools on your way to the three cascades of this waterfall, perhaps the most visited one on the peninsula. 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. 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. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. Nicoyan centenarians have been the focus of many articles. This calcium leads to stronger bones and the ability to stay physically active at a later age. To understand some of the reasons why Blue-Zoners live healthier, longer lives, let's take another look at Ricardo's daily routine. 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. In the south between the Paquera ferry and the village of Tambor, youll have an excellent chance of seeing wildlife within the privately-owned Cur Wildlife Reserve. Read more below about the lessons that Nicoya, Costa Rica can teach you about longevity. Cala Luna won most innovative wellness hotel from the Global Beauty & Wellness Awards thanks to daily complimentary wellness activities like hatha yoga, bikes to borrow, farm-to-table cuisine (from La Sendas farm) with organic and biodynamic wines, and the innovative treatments at its Lahari Wellness Center spa. Directions: Toss the cabbage with the orange juice, season with salt and pepper and let sit 30 minutes. We can no longer afford to allow the COVID pandemic to cause us to live in or out of a place of fear. The Peninsula is covered by spectacular beaches that host nature's best. 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 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. 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. This Central American nation isnt that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. Try cutting out some meat and replacing it with fresh vegetables and fruit. Rice and black beans, gallo pinto, served with eggs and tropical fruit. We must make the health of future generations our responsibility by implementing the lifestyles of the Blue Zones people now. All rights reserved. Nicoya, Costa Rica is one of those unique locations where lifestyle, diet, and low stress have dramatically bettered the lives of Ticos and expats alike. 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.) All Rights Reserved. A nine-hole golf course is a mile away. This is a BETA experience. Compreende os 5 cantos da Pennsula de Nicoya: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz e Nicoya. 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. First and foremost, the competition to get ahead isnt the same here as it is in some other western countries. But we must also consider the impact of our individual health and lifestyle choices on future generations. Also, the environment just exudes joy. Nicoya. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Cities throughout the world can use this template to encourage people to live healthier lives. Those who want to enjoy the pura vida life for more than a week or two often end up here, given Santa Teresas gorgeous beaches, busy nightlife, and excellent wifi. I feel lucky to have found this information, though the credit doesn't belong to me, but rather to the older residents. Successful centenarians have a strong sense of purpose. 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. Old people often have too little calcium in their bodies. The world has a number of Blue Zones, areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. Ed #2798 Oficina #8 Having worked with the pioneers in mind-body research and psychoneuroimmunology. 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. Longevity then would not be a luxury only reserved for a few living in Blue Zones, but a reality for billions.. The five blue zones are: Loma Linda, California; Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. 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. Making the smart choice in traditional Blue Zones is often the only choice available, not really a choice at all. WED LOVE IF YOUD ADD IT ON PINTEREST! They have been able to exceed their life expectancy and serve as an example for the entire world. 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. 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. Many of us in Western countries know we need to eat less junk and add more natural food to our diets. Pura vida means pure or simple life and Costa Ricas Nicoya Peninsula has what you could call extreme pura vida. It is fascinating to see which factors play into long lifespan including how you can emulate this lifestyle. The occasion was also used to release the most recent study on longevity by the Institute of Social Studies in Population (Instituto de Estudios Sociales en Poblacin, IDESPO) at the National University of Costa Rica. The world has a number of 'Blue Zones', areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. There will be a lot to learn and a lot to do to get back to a healthier normal. Its about 75 miles long and 35 miles wide, with the northern section a part of Guanacaste province and the southern section in Puntarenas province. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Nicoyan centenarians tend to live with their families, and children or grandchildren provide support and a sense of purpose and belonging. 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. Meanwhile, last year the average individual from the United States ate 222.2 pounds of meat and poultry. Actually, it is home. 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. When Dan Buettner introduced the concept of Blue Zones, he formed the Blue Zones Project. Also, calcium is important for bones. While walking gives Nicoyans a chance to exercise and get fresh air, it also gives them time to enjoy the natural beauty for which Nicoya is known. The Ikarians and the Ikaria is another one of the Blue Zones, and the Costa Ricans, Nicoya, they're taking a nap. Dinner is typically a light meal, consumed early in the evening which allows plenty of time for digestion before bed. Nicoya, Costa Rica A Latin American Blue Zone. 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. Nicoya is famous for being a marvelous playground for surfers all over the world. What are Blue Zones? 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. 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. The Adobe Rent-A-Car discount includes.. DISCOUNTED SMARTPHONE USAGE WITH UNLIMITED DATA. Everywhere you go in Costa Rica, youll hear pura vida! and soon feel the freedom to adopt the pura vida lifestyle yourself. 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). Toss gently. They wake up. A "Blue Zone" is an area of the world where it is typical for people to live past 100 years old. 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 southerly point is Cabo Blanco Reserve and the south coast also has the town of Tambor. If we can harness that, we can hopefully improve the health of future generations. Drain and pat the onions dry with paper towel. Learn more about typical diet with our Guide to Costa Rican Food. 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. Nearby are waterfalls at Montezuma, ziplining near the Cabo Blanco Reserve, and kite surfing. There are plenty of good-for-you activities to keep you busy on the Nicoya Peninsula jump in the water with a surfboard or snorkel, get up high on a zipline, stretch out with a yoga class, or take a hike (call it forest bathing if you wish) in a nature reserve. 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." Montezuma is great for long beach walks and jungle hikes. 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. Long-living creatures like sea turtles are frequent visitors to the Blue Zone too. 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. While we may not increase the average life expectancy throughout the world we can use Nicoya as a template for healthier living. 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. Its one of our favorite places in Costa Rica and most likely where we would move if we ever moved to the beach. He worked with several notable anthropolgists, dieticians, historians, and geneticists to identify and further understand what contributes to a long lifespan. 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. Thanks to the peninsulas reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. For one, Costa Rica is a small country and most people never move away from the area they were born in. That sense of purpose drives them in all aspects of their lives. Lane cites the impact of COVID-19 on minorities like Blacks and Hispanics throughout Chicago. Blue zones are regions where some of the oldest and healthiest people live. Check out all of our favorite travel companies. Buettner approached National Geograhic with his idea and they agreed to help fund his research. According to Buettner's studies, the Nicoya Peninsula has the world's lowest rates of middle-age mortality and the second highest convergence of male centenarians. 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. 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. It remains to be seen if the COVID pandemic will affect that average. The forest here is more tropical than further north and is home to deer, pacas, monkeys, armadillos, laughing gulls, pelicans, frigates, and brown boobies. A stay at Nantipa will help you have a true Blue Zone adventure, especially if you book its transcendental wellness experience. It includes black beans, cooked plantains, fresh papaya, yams, squash, homemade corn tortillas, and fish (if near the coast). Some sea turtles have even lived to age 150. 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. 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. Costa Rica Experts 2023. 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. You can, thanks to the world's "blue zones." 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 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. In the southern part of the peninsula, Santa Teresa is a popular surf area that sprawls for miles along the coast. It is also one of the world's Blue Zones. If you want to really embrace the Nicoya Peninsula blue zone vibe, head to any small village in the area. I also suggest watching his TED Talk. 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. They feel needed, and their daily lives revolve around their family and community. They find joy in everyday physical chores. 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. "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. That means family ties are the backbone for most peoples existence. Wildlife is abundant. So, having extra-hard water may help keep Nicoyans' hearts strong, and longer. In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average lifespan is 85 among the world's highest. However, Costa Rica's blue zone is so much more. 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. Blue Zones Nicoya desarrolla alimentos, bebidas y suplementos inspirados en los centenarios de la. It was time for me to conquer the Nicoya Peninsula. The Nicoya Peninsula, a Blue Zone in Costa Rica, is renowned for its tranquil, laid-back ambiance. 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. For the first time ever, the world's most prominent researchers shared their knowledge and most recent research on the topic of Blue Zones. Community. Costa Rica indeed does celebrate its elderly citizens; every person who has a 100 th birthday is . Loma Linda, California. Nicoyans often live more than 100 years and Nicoya boasts of the highest number of centenarians in the world. I cant blame you. Staples of the traditional Nicoya diet include homemade corn tortillas, black beans, white rice, a variety of squash, yams, papaya, bananas, and pejibayes. Thomas Ramsauer / Shutterstock. Blue Zone is a term created by author Dan Buettner, building off of research by demographers Michel Poulain, Ph.D., and Giovanni Pes, Ph.D. By comparison, a person in the United States can reasonably expect to live to just 77, according to federal census data. Where are the world's Blue Zones located? They are joined by 42 other centenarians in the Nicoya Peninsula, located in the 5 blue cantons: Nicoya, Santa Cruz, Hojancha, Nandayure and Carrillo (according to data from Jorge Vindas, a field researcher for the Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Association). Black bean starter To a small pot over medium-low heat, add one can of rinsed black beans. 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. Rooms have a mini fridge and theres a communal kitchen plus bikes to rent. It would be hard to imagine two more different places than free-wheeling Costa Rica and legally rigid Singapore, yet both are among the happiest places on earth. 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. 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. 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. El propsito de la compaa es promover y crear conciencia sobre el consumo de productos de alta calidad, con valor nutricional y . "Looking beyond Costa Ricas Blue Zone in Nicoya, elements that make our population stand out and that describe our focus on well-being can be found in every corner of our territory. Try opting to walk places instead of driving. The town of Nicoya is considered the oldest in Costa Rica, it is popularly known as "the colonial city". Montezuma: Best Hotels in Costa Rica. These include Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece, and you guessed it; Nicoya, Costa Rica. We can start making healthier choices today, thus living more enriching lives and encouraging others to adopt similar healthy ways of living. The heart is a muscle, and all muscle contractions depend on calcium. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Are We Headed To A World In Which We Own Nothing? The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. In these areas people have low rates of chronic diseases, so they tend to live longer than in other places. We do not need to wait for our cities of residence to adopt the principles for healthier living outlined in the Blue Zones Project. Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. It is the reason why the founder of Omega Institute set up Blue Spirit in Nosara and a Longevity center. Dan discovered five places where residents have low rates of chronic disease and live longer than anywhere else. The Tortuga Islands are offshore and are a frequent destination for snorkeling trips, even from other parts of the peninsula. Costa Rica Tourism Board, Institutional Site, Costa Rica Convention Center, Promotional Site, Costa Rica Tourism Board | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. 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. Get some sensible sun. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. Hi, my name is Mike Gillespie & I'm fundraising to help support the Blue Zone communities in Nicoya Costa Rica. Heres how to plan a trip to the Blue Zone in Costa Rica. 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." Butterflies in Costa Rica The Best Places to See Them, Irazu Volcano Visit the Highest Volcano in Costa Rica, 20 Free Things to Do in Costa Rica That Youll Love, Costa Rica Rental Car Discount Save Up to 20%, The feeling of a sense of purpose in life. For more information read our privacy policy. The Nicoya Peninsula has five cantons where middle-age morality is lowest and centenarians are the most abundant. Research shows that 30% of longevity comes from genes, and the remaining 70% from lifestyle. Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). Moderate alcohol intake, especially wine. 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. To my delight, Costa Rica has its own Blue Zone - the Nicoya Peninsula! 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). 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. And here are two great reports done that will give you a better understanding of the Nicoya people, area, and mindset. This healthy breakfast gives them the nutrients they need for a day of tending crops and livestock. Pablo Jenkins, a regenerative investor and futurist explains that it is a great time to take on that wisdom from the local ancestors and combine it with new regenerative ways of living. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. Theyre focused on sick care, and so the actual healthcare is often neglected, says Chaves. They eat many fruits and vegetables often grown on their own lands, and they tend not to consume much meat. On the peninsulas southeast coast is Tambor, with Nicoyas most southerly airport. The most amazing part about people who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica is that many of them live without medication or disability. ", For Belgian researcher Michel Poulain, one of the most important message of the World Meeting of Blue Zones is to tell the world that "Costa Rica has a treasure of longevity in the Nicoya Peninsula, that comes from the past generations, which has been built year by year. 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. Going down the west coast from Tamarindo youll find several beach towns, most notably yoga center Nosara and surfers paradise Santa Teresa. 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. "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." It is home to some of the most active, hard-working, and friendliest people on earth. For those who might need some meal ideas, Dan Buettner, wrote the Blue Zones Kitchen cookbook. Lunch is the main meal in Costa Rica (its better for your digestion to eat a bigger breakfast and lunch and a lighter dinner).