why is nicoya, costa rica a blue zone

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. Buettner's studies on the Nicoya Peninsula revealed eight key factors that affect people's life expectancy. The Tortuga Islands are offshore and are a frequent destination for snorkeling trips, even from other parts of the peninsula. Costa Rica indeed does celebrate its elderly citizens; every person who has a 100 th birthday is . Most people in this area never move. In mid-November 2017, the first World Meeting of Blue Zones was held. 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. According to the most recent data from the Ministry of Health, this region will be painted blue for many years to come, as over 900 people over 90 have been recorded, along with over 5,000 inhabitants over 75, the majority of whom enjoy good health in their old age. Thomas Ramsauer / Shutterstock. Nicoyans eat a light dinner early in the evening. 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. Wellness enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. 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. Are you interested in learning more about the Costa Rica Blue Zone and other zones of the world? In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average life span is 85among the world's highest. 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. Gone are the days of making your own food and growing organic produce. Nicoyas interior where most of the centenarians and almost-centenarians live and northeastern coast are less visited by tourists but still have much to offer. In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average lifespan is 85 among the world's highest. A three-course farm-to-table dinner with a tour of the organic garden is available Mondays and Thursdays. Over the last several months, the world has mourned the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives. 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. I suggest visiting Cabuya (a small town between Montezuma and Santa Teresa) or San Francisco de Coyote (a remote beach town). Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. Also, the environment just exudes joy. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 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. Meaning, family ties are strong. He worked with several notable anthropolgists, dieticians, historians, and geneticists to identify and further understand what contributes to a long lifespan. 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. Now is the time for cities like Chicago to learn from the five Blue Zones throughout the world like Nicoya, Costa Rica. They wake up. Nantipa means blue in the language of the Chorotega people, some of the first known people to live in the Nicoya region. In a few, unique communities around the globe, people live long and heathy lives, up to and past 100. They embrace the relaxed Pura Vida lifestyle and family always comes first. 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. The world has 5 recognized Blue Zones (as determined by the authority of National Geographic ). It is fascinating to see which factors play into long lifespan including how you can emulate this lifestyle. In the interior, the town of Nicoya is one of Costa Ricas oldest and also has one of the countrys oldest churches the Parroquia San Blas, first built in 1544. It consists of 100 recipes with ingredients used by those who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica and the other four Blue Zones. Still planning? By Ty and Charlene Bollinger. The most amazing part about people who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica is that many of them live without medication or disability. Montezuma is great for long beach walks and jungle hikes. Nicoya, Costa Rica, is a Central American Caribbean nation that boasts economic security and excellent health care. 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. It was a spontaneous decision to move here, but it was the best decision! This is an excerpt fromBlue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longestby Dan Buettner, copyright 2008, all rights reserved. Ed #2798 Oficina #8 In these areas people have low rates of chronic diseases, so they tend to live longer than in other places. 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 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). There are other blue zones in California, Italy, Greece, and Japan. O que so Zonas Azuis? Soltara Healing Center is located on the calm and pristine Gulf of Nicoya in the mountainous jungle of Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula. ", 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. We must make the health of future generations our responsibility by implementing the lifestyles of the Blue Zones people now. You can hike along trails, go horseback riding, kayak through the mangroves, and swim off the beach. 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. Nicoya is located on the Guanacaste peninsula in Costa Rica, and is considered one of the 7 blue zones found worldwide. He finished, stating emphatically "please keep it and put the new generation on the same line in the treasure of this Blue Zone.". Heres how to plan a trip to the Blue Zone in Costa Rica. On today's podcast, Gina does some serious myth-busting about what has kept the centenarians so well, for so long. The Nicoya Peninsula, a Blue Zone in Costa Rica, is renowned for its tranquil, laid-back ambiance. This Blue Zone is in the mountains of the Nicoyan Peninsula in western Costa Rica. And now, it's a well-known fact: Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula, dubbed as a "high-longevity island," is one of the world's rare blue zones - one of only five original regions, joined by Icaria (Greece), Okinawa (Japan), Lima Linda (California, USA), and Sardinia (Italy). Even in areas like Nicoya, this has been replaced with the ease of processed meals and fast food (although there are very few fast food options in Nicoya in my experience). "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. 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. - save 10% Plus other perks . There are four similar places on earth: Costa Ricas Nicoya Peninsula, Okinawa in Japan, the Greek island of Ikaria, as well as Loma Linda in California (though that one might just be due to its large population of Seventh-day Adventists and their healthy lifestyle). Directions: Toss the cabbage with the orange juice, season with salt and pepper and let sit 30 minutes. 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 use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. [Try this 5-Minute Tasty Squash and Beans for a taste of Costa Rican homecooking.]. This provides the nutrition they need to work hard during the day. Nicoya, Costa Rica: A Puzzling Blue Zone Diet Light on Vegetables and High in Carbohydrate and Sugar. Due to the Nicoya Peninsula's location in Central America, the area has an abundance of warm days with tons of sunlight. The traditional diet in the area is also notable. 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. 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. All rights reserved. Youre sure to be on the path to a long and healthy life after the four-handed Abundance Treatment, which combines Reiki, Shiatsu, Swedish massage, sound and aromatherapy, and acupressure. The daily breakfast consists of gallo pinto (rice and beans) with a basket of homemade corn tortillas and hot coffee. Win-win! Having worked with the pioneers in mind-body research and psychoneuroimmunology. Conzcanos. Nicoya is located far off in Northeastern Costa Rica. 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. This is why the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT, Instituto Costarricense de Turismo) launched the Wellness Pura Vida country strategy, which seeks to position Costa Rica as a wellness destination with a difference, which offers unique, transforming experiences. January 18, 2022 . Another is a focus on family and a special ability to listen and laugh. Nicoya isn't full of marathon runners . 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. 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. If you want to really embrace the Nicoya Peninsula blue zone vibe, head to any small village in the area. These regions are considered Blue Zones. 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. A stay at Nantipa will help you have a true Blue Zone adventure, especially if you book its transcendental wellness experience. They have groups of friend with whom they share healthy habits.". Access to natural foods and organic fruits and vegetables (stables of the Nicoyans) is difficult to come by. This goes along with the decision to widen the country's tourism offerings and venture into industries with high potential, such as wellness tourism. The baby turtles hatch 45 to 54 days later and, if theyre lucky, might live another 50 to 80 years. These areas are: Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Ikaria, Greece. 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. Successful centenarians have a strong sense of purpose. "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." Sardinia, Italy. Moais are a powerful social tradition that create feelings of belonging, purpose and security. 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. That sense of purpose drives them in all aspects of their lives. The heart is a muscle, and all muscle contractions depend on calcium. What are Blue Zones? Hi, my name is Mike Gillespie & I'm fundraising to help support the Blue Zone communities in Nicoya Costa Rica. 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 It's also an area identified as a "Blue Zone . I'm a Chief Metaverse Officer and a web3 luxury and fashion innovator. In other words, it lives longer than the average global life expectancy. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. Most residents here live to be over the age of 90 and there's a high number of centenarians as well. But we must also consider the impact of our individual health and lifestyle choices on future generations. Water sports are on offer pretty much everywhere along Nicoyas coast, whether you prefer surfing, kayaking, standup paddleboarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, or just checking out whats happening in the tide pools. To understand some of the reasons why Blue-Zoners live healthier, longer lives, let's take another look at Ricardo's daily routine. Toss gently. When that day comes, Nicoyas Blue Zone will continue to be an example of the resiliency of the human body and spirit. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. Meat, fish, and poultry only make up 5% of the usual diet. They first noticed that people in several villages on the Italian island of Sardinia were living well into their 90s and 100s and that they had few significant mental or physical health problems. Spirituality and religious involvement/ beliefs. Many Nicoyans choose to walk from one destination to another instead of driving. 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. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The surroundings dictate ways of operating, not personal decisions. 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. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. 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. We're going to focus on the last one, mostly because it hits close to home. 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. These cookies do not store any personal information. My Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Retreat. 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. The expat community in Coco is generally older retirees, however, there are some younger expats running around. Are We Headed To A World In Which We Own Nothing? 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). 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. First and foremost, the competition to get ahead isnt the same here as it is in some other western countries. Living Hotel partners with the Spacio spa, a five-minute walk away, which has several treatments geared to surfers. 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. 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.) Their traditional diet of fortified maize and beans may be the best nutritional combination for longevity the world has ever known. 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. What are Blue Zones? Its difficult to maintain family bonds and friendships when school and work take us far from home, into strange communities. Tamarindo is also a great place for solo travelers. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. For those who might need some meal ideas, Dan Buettner, wrote the Blue Zones Kitchen cookbook. Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. None of these staples are processed, and because all of these foods are locally grown they are not faced with genetically modified or pesticide laden produce. Meanwhile, last year the average individual from the United States ate 222.2 pounds of meat and poultry. Sign up for theBLUE ZONES free weekly email where webring youexclusive interviews, cutting edge longevity news, and fresh tips for living longer, better. Getting up in the air on tree canopy tours via ziplines and rope bridges is popular throughout Costa Rica. The peninsula is one of the worlds five Blue Zones where many people live exceptionally long and healthy lives. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. These cantons are: Carillo, Hojancha, Nicoya, Santa Cruz, and Nandoyure. Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! "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. Nicoya, Costa Rica A Latin American Blue Zone. Healthy and supportive relationships with friends and family are another one of their keys to longevity. Blue Zones Nicoya desarrolla alimentos, bebidas y suplementos inspirados en los centenarios de la. A "Blue Zone" is an area of the world where it is typical for people to live past 100 years old. 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. They are places where people get around by walking more than by car, they eat more plants than meat, and a diet that includes beans or grains such as corn, where the family is their number one purpose. We do not need to wait for our cities of residence to adopt the principles for healthier living outlined in the Blue Zones Project. This is a BETA experience. Your email address will not be published. They are eye-opening and heart-tugging. Your best bet might be finding a VRBO instead of a hotel. The Adobe Rent-A-Car discount includes.. DISCOUNTED SMARTPHONE USAGE WITH UNLIMITED DATA. El propsito de la compaa es promover y crear conciencia sobre el consumo de productos de alta calidad, con valor nutricional y . They feel needed and want to contribute to a greater good. Centenarians seem to have enjoyed physical work of all their lives. According to researchers, most inhabitants live to at least the age of 90. And a breakfast rich with antioxidants helps to protect a persons cells from disease. 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). Its one of our favorite places in Costa Rica and most likely where we would move if we ever moved to the beach. This healthy breakfast gives them the nutrients they need for a day of tending crops and livestock. You may opt-out by. 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. 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. Santa Teresa is great for surfing and enjoying a small but vibrant town with a backpacker vibe. Do you have any questions about the Costa Rica Blue Zone? By TCRN STAFF October 5, 2022 528 0 The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. A research team is currently researching the . We have a full guide to the ferry here. I will be visiting Costa Rica next week to meet with Jorge who founded a local organization that helps the small Blue Zone villages.

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