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In mid-November 2017, the first World Meeting of Blue Zones was held. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2008-2023 Law Dissertation Writing Services. 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 Win-win! Nicoya is famous for being a marvelous playground for surfers all over the world. The baby turtles hatch 45 to 54 days later and, if theyre lucky, might live another 50 to 80 years. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. We have obtained information from Nicoya, Costa Rica on ways to live longer and be happier. January 18, 2022 . Nicoya is located on the Guanacaste peninsula in Costa Rica, and is considered one of the 7 blue zones found worldwide. These centenarians help teach us the value of those important little things," said Mauricio Ventura, Minister of Tourism, with pride. Healthy and supportive relationships with friends and family are another one of their keys to longevity. 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. Who knows, maybe it will change your life! San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. 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. Actually, it is home. The Nicoya Peninsula, a Blue Zone in Costa Rica, is renowned for its tranquil, laid-back ambiance. 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. To my delight, Costa Rica has its own Blue Zone - the Nicoya Peninsula! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Cities throughout the world can use this template to encourage people to live healthier lives. Down on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica's Blue Zone, visitors can book into a yoga retreat, eat freshly caught fish, go surfing and ride horses along the beach. 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. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Now, visiting Nicoya doesnt mean youll automatically live to 100, but a trip there is likely to put you on the path to pure life thanks to its natural environment and abundance of healthy activities. Some sea turtles have even lived to age 150. Still planning? It was a spontaneous decision to move here, but it was the best decision! Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). 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 that day comes, Nicoyas Blue Zone will continue to be an example of the resiliency of the human body and spirit. Old people often have too little calcium in their bodies. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. Nicoya is a small, rural beach community located on the Guanacaste peninsula on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. To understand some of the reasons why Blue-Zoners live healthier, longer lives, let's take another look at Ricardo's daily routine. 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. As of now, there are 5 blue zones: Icaria, Greece. BOOK YOUR COSTA RICA RENTAL CAR AND SAVE 10%. This treasure includes the atmosphere around you." The Nicoya Peninsula has five cantons where middle-age morality is lowest and centenarians are the most abundant. Of course, there is still a desire for success (especially in the cities) but in general, the priorities are shifted. 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. 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. 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. 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. Research shows that 30% of longevity comes from genes, and the remaining 70% from lifestyle. 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. It's also an area identified as a "Blue Zone . They feel needed and want to contribute to a greater good. A research team is currently researching the . If we can harness that, we can hopefully improve the health of future generations. Your best bet might be finding a VRBO instead of a hotel. 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. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. 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? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Brand Storytelling At Sundance: Championing Excellence And Filmmakers With Purpose, Profitable ECommerce Growth For CPGs Is In Reach. Imagine yourself in a future not-so-distant, where more conscious lifestyle decisions you make at an individual level, are supported by a branch of medicine that attempts to change the course of diseases and regenerates failing parts of our bodies. Nicoya, Costa Rica: A Puzzling Blue Zone Diet Light on Vegetables and High in Carbohydrate and Sugar. 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. The peninsula is one of the worlds five Blue Zones where many people live exceptionally long and healthy lives. Now is the time for cities like Chicago to learn from the five Blue Zones throughout the world like Nicoya, Costa Rica. Costa Rica as a whole is a happy place. 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. For most of their lives, Nicoyan centenarians ate a traditional Mesoamerican diet highlighted with the three sisters of agriculture: squash, corn, and beans. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. "Year after year, our surveys indicate that its the Costa Ricans themselves that set our destination apart, and it's certainly always a marvelous experience to spend time with the older generation. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. What Is The Potential Of Generative AI In Healthcare? Get some sensible sun. 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. Over the last several months, the world has mourned the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives. Dan Buettner is really the man behind Blue Zones, so I suggest you start your interest with him. 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. Many of us in Western countries know we need to eat less junk and add more natural food to our diets. It is believed that one factor which may contribute to the high number of Nicoyan centenarians is the high calcium content in the water. 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. "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. Hi, my name is Mike Gillespie & I'm fundraising to help support the Blue Zone communities in Nicoya Costa Rica. For just over 15 years he has been monitoring and accompanying the long-lived people that . Thanks to the peninsulas reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. Look for howler and capuchin monkeys, parrots and parakeets, and bigger birds like herons and hawks. Nicoyans attribute much of their longevity to social values of faith and family. 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 9 Secrets Boosting a Long Life in Nicoya, Costa Rica: They have a strong sense of purpose No matter how old they are, Nicoyans have a strong sense of purpose, a reason to live longer. Another option is to take the 75-minute ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya from Puntarenas to Paquera. Specifically, the rural landscapes of the Nicoya Peninsula, where people have some of the longest lifespans in the world. He added that "we must somehow emulate, duplicate or copy the lifestyle of centenarians, and their way of living, but above all, their environment, diet, activity; above all, the connections they make, human connections, not technological ones. It was time for me to conquer the Nicoya Peninsula. 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. 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. 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. Guest Writer for Wake Up World. All rights reserved. Nantipa means blue in the language of the Chorotega people, some of the first known people to live in the Nicoya region. Because of this, they enjoy extremely low rates of heart disease. The Peninsula is covered by spectacular beaches that host nature's best. Changing the American diet and culture around the food we eat can help save lives. According to researchers, most inhabitants live to at least the age of 90.. It is the reason why the founder of Omega Institute set up Blue Spirit in Nosara and a Longevity center. Fish is a lean protein and provides oils which help with overall brain function. 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. 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. 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. 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." 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. 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. People often consider the impact of global decisions on future generations through legislation. The term first emerged in 2005 in a Nation Geographic magazine cover, "The Secrets of a Long Life.". O segreto da Zona Azul de Nicoya. The Nicoya Peninsula, in Costa Rica, is one of them, . We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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). By Ty and Charlene Bollinger. obesity, or heart disease. Several of Nicoyas beaches like those in the Ostional National Wildlife Reserve are nesting grounds for Kemps Ridley, green, and leatherback turtles. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, Black bean starter To a small pot over medium-low heat, add one can of rinsed black beans. 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. 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. Buettner's studies on the Nicoya Peninsula revealed eight key factors that affect people's life expectancy. 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. Meanwhile, last year the average individual from the United States ate 222.2 pounds of meat and poultry. These cantons are: Carillo, Hojancha, Nicoya, Santa Cruz, and Nandoyure. There will be a lot to learn and a lot to do to get back to a healthier normal. I feel lucky to have found this information, though the credit doesn't belong to me, but rather to the older residents. In one of Buettner's most recent visits to Costa Rica, he defined Blue Zones as "a kind of lifestyle and environment that creates longevity. Nicoya has an abundance of accommodation options but these selections should help your Blue Zone focus whether its healthy food, yoga, spa, surfing, and hiking, connecting with family, or getting a sense of purpose by helping protect Nicoyas wildlife and their habitat. 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. In terms of a definition, these zones are geographical areas with a high concentration of long-lived populations, who frequently reach ninety or one hundred years of age. Longevity then would not be a luxury only reserved for a few living in Blue Zones, but a reality for billions.. I cant blame you. Centenarians seem to have enjoyed physical work of all their lives. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. We must make the health of future generations our responsibility by implementing the lifestyles of the Blue Zones people now. Nicoyan centenarians tend to live with their families, and children or grandchildren provide support and a sense of purpose and belonging. 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." Try our meal idea that reflects elements of the Nicoyan Peninsula Blue Zoners' diet. 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 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. WED LOVE IF YOUD ADD IT ON PINTEREST! Inadequate calcium means weak muscles -- including the heart. My fourth investigation into exactly what our Blue Zone folks eat has left this dietitian, well, intrigued. Toss gently. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Complex carbs provide the energy a person needs to get through the day. The world has a number of 'Blue Zones', areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. Oftentimes, this helps maintain healthy and supportive relationships within their communities, and develop a strong sense of faith and purpose along the way. Located on the Guanacaste Peninsula in northwestern Costa Rica, Nicoya is a rural, beachside, blue-zone community. 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. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. O que so Zonas Azuis? While Nicoyans start their day by eating a healthy breakfast, their diet is not the only secret to living long lives. Meat, fish, and poultry only make up 5% of the usual diet. All of our step by step Costa Rica planning tips in one spot. This calcium leads to stronger bones and the ability to stay physically active at a later age. Nicoyan centenarians get frequent visits from neighbors. Rice and black beans, gallo pinto, served with eggs and tropical fruit. By TCRN STAFF October 5, 2022 528 0 This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. For one, Costa Rica is a small country and most people never move away from the area they were born in. 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. He then went on release a book The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who Have Lived the Longest in 2008. Near the fishing village of Tambor (reached by a 20-minute flight from San Jos or a drive down from the Paquera ferry) is Costa Ricas first all-inclusive. Its one of our favorite places in Costa Rica and most likely where we would move if we ever moved to the beach. Scarlet macaws are bred in Tambor and youll have a chance of seeing them, even on the beach. If coming from San Jose, the easiest way to get to the Nicoya Peninsula is to take the ferry from Puntarenas. Enjoying good health conditions shouldn't depend on economic or technological factors, but rather on protective factors that are evident and proven in the region. Wildlife is abundant. 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. I have been exploring the data reported by National Geographic and Dan Buettner in the Blue Zones Solution: . 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. So, what's the secret behind our region's long life? Wellness enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. And a breakfast rich with antioxidants helps to protect a persons cells from disease. Here are some of the factors that make Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula a blue zone worth visiting. I also suggest watching his TED Talk. Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. They know how to listen, laugh, and appreciate what they have. For more information read our privacy policy.
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