obesity, or heart disease. Guest Writer for Wake Up World. 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. In these areas people have low rates of chronic diseases, so they tend to live longer than in other places. 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. seen in blue zones. The most southerly point is Cabo Blanco Reserve and the south coast also has the town of Tambor. Guevara lives in the Nicoya peninsula of Costa Rica. Several of Nicoyas beaches like those in the Ostional National Wildlife Reserve are nesting grounds for Kemps Ridley, green, and leatherback turtles. Beyond this context, however, the health authorities are taking measures to help Costa Ricans reach over 80 years of age in good health. Successful centenarians have a strong sense of purpose. What we can incorporate about Nicoya into our culture is the sense of purpose Nicoyans enjoy. 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". The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. Changing the American diet and culture around the food we eat can help save lives. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. Spirituality and religious involvement/ beliefs. The world has 5 recognized Blue Zones (as determined by the authority of National Geographic ). Plantains are high in potassium, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. The waters around the Nicoya Peninsula are also home to several species of fish including tuna and red snapper. While Nicoyans start their day by eating a healthy breakfast, their diet is not the only secret to living long lives. One is the plan de vida, or reason to live, which propels a positive outlook among elders and helps keep them active. Dubbed "blue zones," residents of these areas share a common environment and lifestyle that . Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! One thing I found especially interesting is the idea that this long life span is dying out. Barra Honda is on the peninsulas northeast about a half hours drive from the town of Nicoya. American researcher, Dan Buettner, discovered that people in these areas shared several lifestyle characteristics: They don't smoke; They eat a plant-based diet By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. 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. In mid-November 2017, the first World Meeting of Blue Zones was held. He worked with several notable anthropolgists, dieticians, historians, and geneticists to identify and further understand what contributes to a long lifespan. Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a host of problems, such as osteoporosis and heart disease, but regular, "smart" sun exposure (about 15 minutes on the legs and arms) can help . Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! This provides the nutrition they need to work hard during the day. 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. These places are full of one-hundred-year-olds who have reached such like live wires, not in bed or in hospital. Meaning, family ties are strong. 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. They eat many fruits and vegetables often grown on their own lands, and they tend not to consume much meat. Nicoya is a small, rural beach community located on the Guanacaste peninsula on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. We hope you love the Blue Zone Costa Rica stays we recommend. 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. My fourth investigation into exactly what our Blue Zone folks eat has left this dietitian, well, intrigued. Another is a focus on family and a special ability to listen and laugh. 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. 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. A nine-hole golf course is a mile away. As of now, there are 5 blue zones: Icaria, Greece. O segreto da Zona Azul de Nicoya. My Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Retreat. 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. Hi, my name is Mike Gillespie & I'm fundraising to help support the Blue Zone communities in Nicoya Costa Rica. Drain and pat the onions dry with paper towel. A "Blue Zone" is an area of the world where it is typical for people to live past 100 years old. We are always happy to help you out! I cant blame you. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. 4. Nicoya. Rice and black beans, gallo pinto, served with eggs and tropical fruit. Lane reasons why Chicago should use the Blue Zones template to improve the lives of people who live there. Blessed with sandy beaches and tropical forest, it's something of a backpackers' paradise. Thanks to the peninsula's reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. Montezuma is great for long beach walks and jungle hikes. Also, we would love to hear your thoughts on Blue Zones and what constitutes a long lifestyle. For many the hope is that the lessons that these centenarians can teach us and the secrets of well-being and longevity that live in this extraordinary part of the world, will be able benefit all of humanity in the future. According to researchers, most inhabitants live to at least the age of 90.. People who have diabetes, heart conditions, or are overweight tend to have a more difficult time if they are infected by COVID-19. Its very interesting, and I mean, who doesnt love a good TED Talk? For most Americans, an entrance ramp for a new lifestyle change is through their mouth, Buettner says. So, having extra-hard water may help keep Nicoyans' hearts strong, and longer. 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. First . Read more below about the lessons that Nicoya, Costa Rica can teach you about longevity. Located in northwestern Costa Rica, near the border with Nicaragua, Playas del Coco which is more commonly called Cocois a beach town, popular with both expats and Costa Ricans. 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. These centenarians help teach us the value of those important little things," said Mauricio Ventura, Minister of Tourism, with pride. 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. Meat, fish, and poultry only make up 5% of the usual diet. Their traditional diet of fortified maize and beans may be the best nutritional combination for longevity the world has ever known. While we may not increase the average life expectancy throughout the world we can use Nicoya as a template for healthier living. All rights reserved. We're going to focus on the last one, mostly because it hits close to home. 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. . Adapting our lifestyles wherever we live to healthier practices such as intermittent fasting, walkability, exploring plant-based gastronomy, and low glycemic index food intake sound like your everyday doctors recipe for a healthy life, says Cedeno-Molinari. 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. Toss gently. Access to natural foods and organic fruits and vegetables (stables of the Nicoyans) is difficult to come by. 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). For Priscila Chaves, a Costa Rican social tech-entrepreneur and ethics thought leader, the question that still stands is, how can we translate these apparent otherworldly effects, to the rest of us? To my delight, Costa Rica has its own Blue Zone - the Nicoya Peninsula! This information has been translated into lessons that can be implemented into your everyday life. This is due to key decisions the country has taken through its history that have positively affected its performance in social progress, environment, society and overall peace indicators, explains Daniel Valverde, Essential Costa Rica country brand director. Not long after, he began to lead trips to the first Blue Zones that he had discovered. 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. The heart is a muscle, and all muscle contractions depend on calcium. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! Buettner approached National Geograhic with his idea and they agreed to help fund his research. Stir in two chopped plum tomatoes, half of a finely chopped onion and one . 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. The most amazing part about people who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica is that many of them live without medication or disability. Eating fewer calories appears to be one of the surest ways to add years to your life. Its one of our favorite places in Costa Rica and most likely where we would move if we ever moved to the beach. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. Barrio La California, It helps them remain positive. Getting up in the air on tree canopy tours via ziplines and rope bridges is popular throughout Costa Rica. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Not only do they live longer, their metabolism is better, the levels of cognitive impairment are lower, and they function at a higher level. 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. Nantipa means blue in the language of the Chorotega people, some of the first known people to live in the Nicoya region. The reason why they are called "blue zones" is a curious story Directions: Toss the cabbage with the orange juice, season with salt and pepper and let sit 30 minutes. The quality of Nicoyas water might be one of the reasons residents live long enough to become centenarians and almost-centenarians. ", 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. 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. Moais are a powerful social tradition that create feelings of belonging, purpose and security. You can drive to Tamarindo in about 80 minutes from the Liberia airport (its about four hours from Costa Ricas other main airport in the capital, San Jos). Nicoya, Costa Rica - And then there's Nicoya, where Ricardo and his family live, a notable exception to the rule that people in developing countries have shorter life spans than those in developed ones. Poor communities are notorious for living in food deserts. 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). 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). By TCRN STAFF October 5, 2022 528 0 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. The Nicoya Peninsula, in Costa Rica, is one of them, . Costa Rica Tourism Board, Institutional Site, Costa Rica Convention Center, Promotional Site, Costa Rica Tourism Board | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map. 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. 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. Nicoya is located far off in Northeastern Costa Rica. In a few, unique communities around the globe, people live long and heathy lives, up to and past 100. El propsito de la compaa es promover y crear conciencia sobre el consumo de productos de alta calidad, con valor nutricional y . It is believed that one factor which may contribute to the high number of Nicoyan centenarians is the high calcium content in the water. Buettner had spent several years before penning the article leading expeditions including tracing Darwins route in the Galapagos and Marco Polos trip along the Silk Road. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. It is home to some of the most active, hard-working, and friendliest people on earth. "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. Alternatively, Blue. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2008-2023 Law Dissertation Writing Services. The peninsula is one of the worlds five Blue Zones where many people live exceptionally long and healthy lives. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Gone are the days of making your own food and growing organic produce. 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). They know how to listen, laugh, and appreciate what they have. Ministry of Health data indicate that life expectancy is nearly 80 years, which is the highest in Central America, according to the World Bank. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. What they generally don't know, however, is that a part of Costa Rica tourists rarely visit (the rural Nicoya Peninsula towns of Nicoya, Santa Cruz and environs) contains the largest. The five blue zones are: Loma Linda, California; Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. 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. Nicoya is located on the Guanacaste peninsula in Costa Rica, and is considered one of the 7 blue zones found worldwide. The world has a number of 'Blue Zones', areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. They find joy in everyday physical chores. Are We Headed To A World In Which We Own Nothing? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This healthy breakfast gives them the nutrients they need for a day of tending crops and livestock. Heres how to plan a trip to the Blue Zone in Costa Rica. 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. Your email address will not be published. In other words, people in these zones to live longer than any other areas in the world. Wildlife is abundant. 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. We must make the health of future generations our responsibility by implementing the lifestyles of the Blue Zones people now. About two hours down the coast from Tamarindo is Nosara, Nicoyas yoga center (the Nosara Yoga Institute here offers teacher training). The world has a number of Blue Zones, areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. Nicoya is famous for being a marvelous playground for surfers all over the world. Nicoya, Costa Rica, is a Central American Caribbean nation that boasts economic security and excellent health care. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. A blue zone is a geographical area in which the population is the longest-lived. For more information read our privacy policy. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Oftentimes, this helps maintain healthy and supportive relationships within their communities, and develop a strong sense of faith and purpose along the way. The five known Blue Zones identified in Buettner's book include:. 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. The surroundings dictate ways of operating, not personal decisions. There will be a lot to learn and a lot to do to get back to a healthier normal. 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. These cantons are: Carillo, Hojancha, Nicoya, Santa Cruz, and Nandoyure. They also practice good physical and mental health. 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. The Nicoya Peninsula, a Blue Zone in Costa Rica, is renowned for its tranquil, laid-back ambiance. 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. Thanks to the peninsulas reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. Predominantly catering to families, this 402-room property has four restaurants, including for surf and turf and Japanese, two pools, a nightclub, and a 200-seat amphitheater. 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. A research team is currently researching the . Rooms have a mini fridge and theres a communal kitchen plus bikes to rent. You can design your own holistic retreat too, choosing from a Kirtan sound bath, detox program, cacao ceremony, blue clay treatment, drum circles, and more. The most popular towns to visit here are Montezuma and Santa Teresa. That means family ties are the backbone for most peoples existence. These characteristics are: Despite this, it is believed that 30% of a long healthy life comes from genes and 70% is based on lifestyle. 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. Check out all of our favorite travel companies. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Lets explore the Blue Zone in Nicoya, Costa Rica and what the Nicoyan lifestyle can teach us about humanity and what we could do better in the future. Complex carbs provide the energy a person needs to get through the day. This vigorous village is one of the Blue Zones' unique hotspots. Another option is to take the 75-minute ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya from Puntarenas to Paquera. 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. 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. Nicoya, Costa Rica. 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. 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. 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. The Nicoya Peninsula has five cantons where middle-age morality is lowest and centenarians are the most abundant. BOOK YOUR COSTA RICA RENTAL CAR AND SAVE 10%. Research shows that 30% of longevity comes from genes, and the remaining 70% from lifestyle. In the southern part of the peninsula, Santa Teresa is a popular surf area that sprawls for miles along the coast. There are two trails for visitors and a pristine white sand beach. You can, thanks to the world's "blue zones." This treasure includes the atmosphere around you." Brand Storytelling At Sundance: Championing Excellence And Filmmakers With Purpose, Profitable ECommerce Growth For CPGs Is In Reach. Nicoyan centenarians have been the focus of many articles. Offering barefoot luxury on Playa Langosta this family-owned boutique hotel is a 15-minute walk from downtown Tamarindo. 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? 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. These include Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece, and you guessed it; Nicoya, Costa Rica. The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has 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. March 2nd, 2023. Cala Luna won most innovative wellness hotel from the Global Beauty & Wellness Awards thanks to daily complimentary wellness activities like hatha yoga, bikes to borrow, farm-to-table cuisine (from La Sendas farm) with organic and biodynamic wines, and the innovative treatments at its Lahari Wellness Center spa. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. They begin each meal with a prayer. This Blue Zone is in the mountains of the Nicoyan Peninsula in western Costa Rica. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. It remains to be seen if the COVID pandemic will affect that average.
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