These characteristics are: Despite this, it is believed that 30% of a long healthy life comes from genes and 70% is based on lifestyle. The expat community in Coco is generally older retirees, however, there are some younger expats running around. Why is Costa Rica one of the Happiest, Healthiest Places - Blue Zones My Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Retreat. Nicoya was introduced as a Blue Zone in a 2004 National Geographic article by Dan Buettner. These areas are: Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Ikaria, Greece. It is a template outlining the lifestyles of people who live in places like Nicoya, Costa Rica. 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. The surroundings dictate ways of operating, not personal decisions. 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. There are two trails for visitors and a pristine white sand beach. There will be a lot to learn and a lot to do to get back to a healthier normal. 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. I suggest visiting Cabuya (a small town between Montezuma and Santa Teresa) or San Francisco de Coyote (a remote beach town). We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. Community. 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. 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. "The five cantons of the peninsula continue to appear with greater longevity and we've confirmed this everywhere we've investigated. 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. People often consider the impact of global decisions on future generations through legislation. Costa Rica - Why is it Considered a Blue Zone? - TraveLLuxCurator ", 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. 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. Most people in this area never move. Several of Nicoyas beaches like those in the Ostional National Wildlife Reserve are nesting grounds for Kemps Ridley, green, and leatherback turtles. Cities throughout the world can use this template to encourage people to live healthier lives. Try cutting out some meat and replacing it with fresh vegetables and fruit. 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. The baby turtles hatch 45 to 54 days later and, if theyre lucky, might live another 50 to 80 years. Its also easy to eat healthy in Costa Rica, with its abundance of local foods grown in its fertile volcanic soil. Barra Honda is on the peninsulas northeast about a half hours drive from the town of Nicoya. 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. 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. Blue zones are regions where some of the oldest and healthiest people live. Along with starting every morning with a healthy breakfast, Nicoyans also eat nutritious food throughout the day. [Try this 5-Minute Tasty Squash and Beans for a taste of Costa Rican homecooking.]. First . I also suggest watching his TED Talk. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Nantipa means blue in the language of the Chorotega people, some of the first known people to live in the Nicoya region. We are always happy to help you out! Centenarian Dietary Secrets - The Weston A. Price Foundation Lane cites the impact of COVID-19 on minorities like Blacks and Hispanics throughout Chicago. Healthy Blue Zone Recipes | Best Health Magazine In parallel, and with the purpose of generating public policies, a Framework Cooperation Agreement in order to establish, promote and support the Blue Zone in the Nicoya Peninsula. 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. Complex carbs provide the energy a person needs to get through the day. All Rights Reserved. Nicoya isn't full of marathon runners . Why are Costa Rica and Singapore Two of the Happiest - Blue Zones One of the world's Blue Zones is in Nicoya, Costa Rica. 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. 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!) 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 beautiful view of the beaches may also have a hand in this. This calcium leads to stronger bones and the ability to stay physically active at a later age. Win-win! 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). 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. Who knows, maybe it will change your life! Nearby are waterfalls at Montezuma, ziplining near the Cabo Blanco Reserve, and kite surfing. They begin each meal with a prayer. 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. It helps them remain positive. Eco-tourism is a natural must in this out-of-this-world scenario, where everything that happens is in a quiet, lovely pace. Changing the American diet and culture around the food we eat can help save lives. 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. That sense of purpose drives them in all aspects of their lives. 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). Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. For the first time ever, the world's most prominent researchers shared their knowledge and most recent research on the topic of Blue Zones. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. Also, the environment just exudes joy. 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. 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. Loma Linda, California. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Do you ever wish you could know the secrets to a long and happy life? In the Nicoya Peninsula, the water is particularly rich in calcium and magnesium which studies show is good for cardiovascular health and preventing cancer. 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. Nicoya Peninsula - A Blue Zone In Costa Rica | Villa Firenze The town of Nicoya is considered the oldest in Costa Rica, it is popularly known as "the colonial city". Nicoya, the "Blue Zone" in Costa Rica The Costa Rica News These centenarians help teach us the value of those important little things," said Mauricio Ventura, Minister of Tourism, with pride. Blue Zones: Why Residents in the Nicoya Peninsula Live Longer than 90 Years By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Surprisingly, happiness and keeping a focus on family are two of the main components. In a few, unique communities around the globe, people live long and heathy lives, up to and past 100. 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. Hi! Live longer with these dishes from 'blue zones' in America 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. Costa Rica holds one of the original 5 blue zones of the world and you will find yourself in one of them if you decide on living in the Nicoya Peninsula. The world has a number of 'Blue Zones', areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. Try opting to walk places instead of driving. 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. 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. 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). 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. 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 Retreat Center in the Blue Zone - Soltara 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. According to researchers, most inhabitants live to at least the age of 90.. 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's Longevity Secrets - Blue Zones 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. 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. 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). Wildlife is abundant. And here are two great reports done that will give you a better understanding of the Nicoya people, area, and mindset. A way of life that keeps cells young in one region of Costa Rica Each region has its own diet, types of exercise, and community structure, but each has specific elements in common - all starting with a sense of purpose. The forest here is more tropical than further north and is home to deer, pacas, monkeys, armadillos, laughing gulls, pelicans, frigates, and brown boobies. Get to Know the Secrets of Costa Rica's Blue Zone The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. On the peninsulas southeast coast is Tambor, with Nicoyas most southerly airport. Ministry of Health data indicate that life expectancy is nearly 80 years, which is the highest in Central America, according to the World Bank. 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. 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 one of the worlds five Blue Zones where many people live exceptionally long and healthy lives. Why is Costa Rica a blue zone? - 2023 - fiosdl.hioctanefuel.com What Costa Rica's Blue Zone Can Teach Us About The Future Of - Forbes But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. Heres how to plan a trip to the Blue Zone in Costa Rica. The Nicoyan way of life can enlighten people to make choices that will help to increase their life expectancy. Blue Zones Nicoya desarrolla alimentos, bebidas y suplementos inspirados en los centenarios de la. These cantons are: Carillo, Hojancha, Nicoya, Santa Cruz, and Nandoyure. These places are full of one-hundred-year-olds who have reached such like live wires, not in bed or in hospital. The climate in the Blue Zone is very mild, which may help to protect against diseases. The term first emerged in 2005 in a Nation Geographic magazine cover, "The Secrets of a Long Life.". The heart is a muscle, and all muscle contractions depend on calcium. Also, calcium is important for bones. Conzcanos. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. The Power of Nine is the name Buetnner has given to the characteristics that all Blue Zones seem to share. Where are the world's Blue Zones located? It includes black beans, cooked plantains, fresh papaya, yams, squash, homemade corn tortillas, and fish (if near the coast). However, Costa Rica's blue zone is so much more. The Blue Zone in Costa Rica: Where People Live their Best Life A nine-hole golf course is a mile away. Its name is due to the tribe that reigned prior to the arrival of the Spanish in 1520, it is said to come from the Nahuatlas words Nica, Necoclau or Necocyanh, which means surrounded by water. 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. While Nicoyans start their day by eating a healthy breakfast, their diet is not the only secret to living long lives. We have a full guide to the ferry here. Thanks to the peninsulas reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. If we can harness that, we can hopefully improve the health of future generations. 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. And a breakfast rich with antioxidants helps to protect a persons cells from disease. 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. Offering barefoot luxury on Playa Langosta this family-owned boutique hotel is a 15-minute walk from downtown Tamarindo. It was a spontaneous decision to move here, but it was the best decision! Nicoya, Costa Rica. These regions are considered Blue Zones. Rice and black beans, gallo pinto, served with eggs and tropical fruit. Dubbed "blue zones," residents of these areas share a common environment and lifestyle that . What to Incorporate Into Your Diet to Eat Like a 100 Year Old Nicoyan Required fields are marked *, car rental deal! Modern Nicoyans roots to the indigenous Chorotega and their traditions have enabled them to remain relatively free of stress. 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. Fish is a lean protein and provides oils which help with overall brain function. 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. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. - save 10% Plus other perks . Report from the 'Blue Zone': Why Do People Live Long in Costa Rica? Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Whether this pandemic impacts the average lifespan of people around the world or not, a lot can be gained by studying five specific regions in the world where people seemingly effortlessly live to over 90 years in age. This healthy breakfast gives them the nutrients they need for a day of tending crops and livestock. Successful centenarians have a strong sense of purpose. Blue Zones: Diet, Lifestyle & Tips on How to Live Longer