These regions are considered Blue Zones. Thomas Ramsauer / Shutterstock. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. Also, calcium is important for bones. If coming from San Jose, the easiest way to get to the Nicoya Peninsula is to take the ferry from Puntarenas. 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. Beyond this context, however, the health authorities are taking measures to help Costa Ricans reach over 80 years of age in good health. Many Nicoyans choose to walk from one destination to another instead of driving. Meat, fish, and poultry only make up 5% of the usual diet. Dinner is typically a light meal, consumed early in the evening which allows plenty of time for digestion before bed. 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. Pura vida means pure or simple life and Costa Ricas Nicoya Peninsula has what you could call extreme pura vida. Going down the west coast from Tamarindo youll find several beach towns, most notably yoga center Nosara and surfers paradise Santa Teresa. Along with starting every morning with a healthy breakfast, Nicoyans also eat nutritious food throughout the day. My Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Retreat. This calcium leads to stronger bones and the ability to stay physically active at a later age. Longevity then would not be a luxury only reserved for a few living in Blue Zones, but a reality for billions.. Nicoya. The forest here is more tropical than further north and is home to deer, pacas, monkeys, armadillos, laughing gulls, pelicans, frigates, and brown boobies. 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". However, Costa Rica's blue zone is so much more. He then had the idea to research areas in the world with the longest lifespan. 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. Wellness enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. 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. He worked with several notable anthropolgists, dieticians, historians, and geneticists to identify and further understand what contributes to a long lifespan. 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. Costa Rica is known for its pura vida lifestyle and attitude. 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. The Adventists are praying. The Ikarians and the Ikaria is another one of the Blue Zones, and the Costa Ricans, Nicoya, they're taking a nap. Blue zones are regions where some of the oldest and healthiest people live. 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. Protein helps to rebuild and repair tissue, as well as it helps a person to feel full. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. If you want to really embrace the Nicoya Peninsula blue zone vibe, head to any small village in the area. Out of these cookies, 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. Ministry of Health data indicate that life expectancy is nearly 80 years, which is the highest in Central America, according to the World Bank. 1 - The Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. Successful centenarians have a strong sense of purpose. As of now, there are 5 blue zones: Icaria, Greece. The five known Blue Zones identified in Buettner's book include:. The Peninsula is covered by spectacular beaches that host nature's best. Barra Honda is on the peninsulas northeast about a half hours drive from the town of Nicoya. They embrace the relaxed Pura Vida lifestyle and family always comes first. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. For more information read our privacy policy. The world has a number of 'Blue Zones', areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. Do you have any questions about the Costa Rica Blue Zone? 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. 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. Many believe it will be through the cutting-edge innovations of regenerative medicine that the privileges of the Blue Zones can be democratized, so that anyone, anywhere, and at any time has access to the technology that allows us to replenish, replace and rejuvenate our physical bodies., What weve witnessed during 2020 are healthcare systems around the world that are reactive, bureaucratic, inefficient, and saturated. It is not unusual for several generations to gather on a regular basis for lively gatherings. 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). Or, get your zen on at La Senda, the wellness center on a 74-acre forested property near Tamarindo. 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. One is the plan de vida, or reason to live, which propels a positive outlook among elders and helps keep them active. A three-course farm-to-table dinner with a tour of the organic garden is available Mondays and Thursdays. 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. We're going to focus on the last one, mostly because it hits close to home. 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. Here you will find some of the most beautiful beaches and hotels in Costa Rica, along with lush tropical forests perfect for hiking or horseback riding. Nosara also has three beaches remote black sand Playa Nosara, Playa Guiones with some of Costa Ricas best surfing, and Playa Pelada for tide pools, blow holes, snorkeling, and swimming. These centenarians help teach us the value of those important little things," said Mauricio Ventura, Minister of Tourism, with pride. Montezuma: Best Hotels in 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. Learn more about typical diet with our Guide to Costa Rican Food. It consists of 100 recipes with ingredients used by those who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica and the other four Blue Zones. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. Maintaining close ties with family and friends helps reduce stress. Rare species like pumas, ocelots, and margay cats make their home here too. It remains to be seen if the COVID pandemic will affect that average. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The climate in the Blue Zone is very mild, which may help to protect against diseases. Due to the Nicoya Peninsula's location in Central America, the area has an abundance of warm days with tons of sunlight. Nearby are waterfalls at Montezuma, ziplining near the Cabo Blanco Reserve, and kite surfing. However, both towns have a more touristy vibe to them. The traditional diet in the area is also notable. seen in blue zones. Nicoya, Costa Rica. Eating fewer calories appears to be one of the surest ways to add years to your life. One thing I found especially interesting is the idea that this long life span is dying out. Here are some of the factors that make Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula a blue zone worth visiting. 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. Ed #2798 Oficina #8 The Nicoya Peninsula has several on offer, including near Tamarindo, outside the Cabo Blanco Reserve near Playa Mal Pais, and above the Montezuma waterfall. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. "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. Your email address will not be published. I cant blame you. 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. Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. 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. Lane reported isolation, alienation, and high rates of depression in Chicagos poorest neighborhoods as some of the reasons behind the high rates of COVID cases. 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. Conzcanos. Having worked with the pioneers in mind-body research and psychoneuroimmunology. Long-living creatures like sea turtles are frequent visitors to the Blue Zone too. Dan discovered five places where residents have low rates of chronic disease and live longer than anywhere else. What Is The Potential Of Generative AI In Healthcare? It includes black beans, cooked plantains, fresh papaya, yams, squash, homemade corn tortillas, and fish (if near the coast). The town of Nicoya is considered the oldest in Costa Rica, it is popularly known as "the colonial city". Sardinia, Italy. By comparison, a person in the United States can reasonably expect to live to just 77, according to federal census data. 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. Theyre focused on sick care, and so the actual healthcare is often neglected, says Chaves. Nicoyans attribute much of their longevity to social values of faith and family. This vigorous village is one of the Blue Zones' unique hotspots. The term 'Blue Zone' was coined by Dan Buettner, a New York Times bestselling author, who was studying areas to some of the oldest people in the world. So, Nicoya is another blue zone in the world alongside Okinawa (Japan), Cerdea (Italia), Icaria (Greece) and Loma Linda (California). 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. The reason why they are called "blue zones" is a curious story Located on the Guanacaste Peninsula in northwestern Costa Rica, Nicoya is a rural, beachside, blue-zone community. 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. Everywhere you go in Costa Rica, youll hear pura vida! and soon feel the freedom to adopt the pura vida lifestyle yourself. The volcanic beach has calm swimming in Bahia Ballena (despite the name, whales are no longer frequent visitors), and theres birdwatching and hiking along the Rio Panica. Look for howler and capuchin monkeys, parrots and parakeets, and bigger birds like herons and hawks. Costa Rica is home to one of the five original blue zones regions, the Nicoya peninsula, with a high number of centenarians in excellent health. 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. Changing the American diet and culture around the food we eat can help save lives. Stir in two chopped plum tomatoes, half of a finely chopped onion and one . This treasure includes the atmosphere around you." Several of Nicoyas beaches like those in the Ostional National Wildlife Reserve are nesting grounds for Kemps Ridley, green, and leatherback turtles. I will be visiting Costa Rica next week to meet with Jorge who founded a local organization that helps the small Blue Zone villages. And a breakfast rich with antioxidants helps to protect a persons cells from disease. They are eye-opening and heart-tugging. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. This goes along with the decision to widen the country's tourism offerings and venture into industries with high potential, such as wellness tourism. While a Blue Zone indicates a hotspot of healthy longevity, it also presents a challenge of how to extend these benefits throughout the population outside of these redoubts. The beautiful view of the beaches may also have a hand in this. Although the Blue Zone Project isnt all about diet, and its certainly about more than food for the people of Nicoya it is a big difference from the typical American diet (no matter what type of community). We do not need to wait for our cities of residence to adopt the principles for healthier living outlined in the Blue Zones Project. Where are the world's Blue Zones located? 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. Actually, it is home. 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. 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. Poor communities are notorious for living in food deserts. 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. A research team is currently researching the . Rhuigi Villaseor Kept His Foot On The Gas. What are Blue Zones? 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. 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). The Nicoyan way of life can enlighten people to make choices that will help to increase their life expectancy. 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. These include Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece, and you guessed it; Nicoya, Costa Rica. But we must also consider the impact of our individual health and lifestyle choices on future generations. It requires descending 17 yards down a ladder to see cave formations that resemble fried eggs, popcorn, roses, and shark teeth. Thanks to the peninsulas reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. Rice and black beans, gallo pinto, served with eggs and tropical fruit. Feel free to leave them in the comment section below. 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. The best way we can mourn those lives lost is to honor them by creating a better future for our children, their children, and their childrens children by making healthier choices now. They feel needed, and their daily lives revolve around their family and community. 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). Lane cites the impact of COVID-19 on minorities like Blacks and Hispanics throughout Chicago. Check out all of our favorite travel companies. To my delight, Costa Rica has its own Blue Zone - the Nicoya Peninsula! One of the five designated blue zones in the world, the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica features residents who live even longer than those in the rest of the country. 3 International Psychedelic Retreats Poised To Take Wellness Travel Into the Future, The Most Romantic Couples Massages in Las Vegas, The 20 Happiest Countries in the World, 2022, What Its Like To Stay at Hilton Head Health, One of Americas Most Renowned Wellness Resorts, 5 Types of Meditation That Will Relieve Your Travel Stress, long-life characteristics of the Nicoya Peninsula, How To Move To Costa Rica and Live There on the Cheap, These Stunning Cabins Are the Ultimate Zion National Park Basecamps, 8 of the Coolest Airbnbs Near Disney World, Orlando, 8 La Condesa Airbnbs To Settle Into Mexico Citys Coolest Neighborhood, The 11 Absolute Best Beaches in Costa Rica, This Luxury Hotel Has Transformed a Plane Into a Suite in the Costa Rican Jungle, A Guide To Feeling Your Best as a Plus-Size SpaGuest, The Best Airbnbs in Venice, From a Rialto Flat To a San Marco Studio, Download the 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. 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. Alternatively, Blue. We can start making healthier choices today, thus living more enriching lives and encouraging others to adopt similar healthy ways of living. All rights reserved. Do you ever wish you could know the secrets to a long and happy life? 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. Are you interested in learning more about the Costa Rica Blue Zone and other zones of the world? When that day comes, Nicoyas Blue Zone will continue to be an example of the resiliency of the human body and spirit. The most amazing part about people who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica is that many of them live without medication or disability. A nine-hole golf course is a mile away. We must make the health of future generations our responsibility by implementing the lifestyles of the Blue Zones people now. For most of their lives, Nicoyan centenarians ate a traditional Mesoamerican diet highlighted with the three sisters of agriculture: squash, corn, and beans. Cities throughout the world can use this template to encourage people to live healthier lives. The Nicoya Peninsula, a Blue Zone in Costa Rica, is renowned for its tranquil, laid-back ambiance. I also suggest watching his TED Talk. Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). These areas are: Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Ikaria, Greece. At the southern tip of the peninsula is Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. Moderate alcohol intake, especially wine. For those who might need some meal ideas, Dan Buettner, wrote the Blue Zones Kitchen cookbook. People often consider the impact of global decisions on future generations through legislation. This information has been translated into lessons that can be implemented into your everyday life. I'm a Chief Metaverse Officer and a web3 luxury and fashion innovator. Possessing the highest density of biodiversity of any country in the world, it is also labeled as one of the 5 "blue zones", a term coined by National Geographic author Dan Buettner, describing places where a high percentage of the population lives active . 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. Brand Storytelling At Sundance: Championing Excellence And Filmmakers With Purpose, Profitable ECommerce Growth For CPGs Is In Reach. Tamarindo is also a great place for solo travelers. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Another is a focus on family and a special ability to listen and laugh. 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. 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. It is home to some of the most active, hard-working, and friendliest people on earth. That sense of purpose drives them in all aspects of their lives. Face-to-Face Conversations. Certain common characteristics were also established in order to determine whether additional Blue Zones could be added in the near future. 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. Try cutting out some meat and replacing it with fresh vegetables and fruit. BOOK YOUR COSTA RICA RENTAL CAR AND SAVE 10%. Healthy and supportive relationships with friends and family are another one of their keys to longevity. The gateway to the Nicoya Peninsula is the beach town of Tamarindo on the west coast, which is very popular with international travelers. It was a spontaneous decision to move here, but it was the best decision! These cookies do not store any personal information. To understand some of the reasons why Blue-Zoners live healthier, longer lives, let's take another look at Ricardo's daily routine. The peninsula is one of the worlds five Blue Zones where many people live exceptionally long and healthy lives. The Nicoya Peninsula is on Costa Ricas north Pacific coast. 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. It is not unusual for many generations to live on one property or in very close proximity to each other. 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. There are many factors that go into the long life of Nicoyans, and some of them will be impossible for you to replicate (unless you plan to move to an area of the world where the sun is always shining, the nature is amazing, and then you also need to bring all of your family with you). Is the Nicoya Peninsula good for a Wellness getaway? 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. WED LOVE IF YOUD ADD IT ON PINTEREST! Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! Are We Headed To A World In Which We Own Nothing? They find joy in everyday physical chores. The chance to do yoga in an open-air pavilion on the beach is not to be missed! 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. There will be a lot to learn and a lot to do to get back to a healthier normal. He has written numerous books on the topic, but I suggest starting with: Blue Zones of Happiness and The Blue Zones Kitchen (a cookbook). Dubbed "blue zones," residents of these areas share a common environment and lifestyle that . So, what's the secret behind our region's long life? 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. 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. A "Blue Zone" is an area of the world where it is typical for people to live past 100 years old.
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