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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? In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average lifespan is 85 among the world's highest. This calcium leads to stronger bones and the ability to stay physically active at a later age. Heres how to plan a trip to the Blue Zone in Costa Rica. "The five cantons of the peninsula continue to appear with greater longevity and we've confirmed this everywhere we've investigated. These centenarians help teach us the value of those important little things," said Mauricio Ventura, Minister of Tourism, with pride. Contents1 Is Costa Rica considered [] Loma Linda, California. 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.) 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. These places are full of one-hundred-year-olds who have reached such like live wires, not in bed or in hospital. One Nicoyan, a centenarian, said he knew death would eventually come for him but it is the love for his children that motivates him to keep going every day. The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. 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. Guest Writer for Wake Up World. You can, thanks to the world's "blue zones." Now is the time for cities like Chicago to learn from the five Blue Zones throughout the world like Nicoya, Costa Rica. 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. Toss gently. Montezuma is great for long beach walks and jungle hikes. In mid-November 2017, the first World Meeting of Blue Zones was held. So why is it that the people of Nicoya outlive so many others? Over the last several months, the world has mourned the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives. Rooms have a mini fridge and theres a communal kitchen plus bikes to rent. Nicoya was introduced as a Blue Zone in a 2004 National Geographic article by Dan Buettner. Costa Rica as a whole is a happy place. By encouraging Nicoyans belief community and sense of purpose through work, family, or nature, cities could help their poorest thrive. Blessed with sandy beaches and tropical forest, it's something of a backpackers' paradise. Its difficult to maintain family bonds and friendships when school and work take us far from home, into strange communities. Buettner had spent several years before penning the article leading expeditions including tracing Darwin's route in the Galapagos and Marco Polo's trip along the Silk Road. 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. Costa Rica Tourism Board, Institutional Site, Costa Rica Convention Center, Promotional Site, Costa Rica Tourism Board | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map. 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. Thomas Ramsauer / Shutterstock. 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. It remains to be seen if the COVID pandemic will affect that average. 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. 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. Many of us in Western countries know we need to eat less junk and add more natural food to our diets. Nicoya, Costa Rica. Its about 75 miles long and 35 miles wide, with the northern section a part of Guanacaste province and the southern section in Puntarenas province. When you book through our trusted partners we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. They know how to listen, laugh, and appreciate what they have. 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. We can start making healthier choices today, thus living more enriching lives and encouraging others to adopt similar healthy ways of living. 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. One thing I found especially interesting is the idea that this long life span is dying out. Another is a focus on family and a special ability to listen and laugh. 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. 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". La Senda has a 2.5-acre labyrinth with a two-mile-long path (said to be the biggest in the world) as well as horseback riding. These areas are: Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Ikaria, Greece. Nicoyan centenarians frequently visit with neighbors, and they tend to live with families and children or grandchildren who provide support, as well as a sense of purpose. Nicoyans eat a light dinner early in the evening. They eat many fruits and vegetables often grown on their own lands, and they tend not to consume much meat. 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. The most southerly point is Cabo Blanco Reserve and the south coast also has the town of Tambor. Try cutting out some meat and replacing it with fresh vegetables and fruit. 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. 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. Old people often have too little calcium in their bodies. This Central American nation isnt that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. Costa Rica is known for its pura vida lifestyle and attitude. The peninsula is one of the worlds five Blue Zones where many people live exceptionally long and healthy 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. Get your fill of fresh fruits like pineapple, mango, papaya, banana, and passionfruit and vegetables and legumes like squash, cassava, plantain, yam, and beans. 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. By Ty and Charlene Bollinger. 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. ", For Belgian researcher Michel Poulain, one of the most important message of the World Meeting of Blue Zones is to tell the world that "Costa Rica has a treasure of longevity in the Nicoya Peninsula, that comes from the past generations, which has been built year by year. The town of Nicoya is considered the oldest in Costa Rica, it is popularly known as "the colonial city". The Nicoya Peninsula is on Costa Ricas north Pacific coast. People often consider the impact of global decisions on future generations through legislation. Look for howler and capuchin monkeys, parrots and parakeets, and bigger birds like herons and hawks. Jorge Vindas, Costa Ricas Blue Zone expert, says that its a combination of good genes, healthy food and water, regular low-intensity exercise, few vices, a strong connection to family, putting importance on religion or spirituality, and having a sense of purpose. Complex carbs provide the energy a person needs to get through the day. [Try this 5-Minute Tasty Squash and Beans for a taste of Costa Rican homecooking.]. 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. But we must also consider the impact of our individual health and lifestyle choices on future generations. They also practice good physical and mental health. 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. 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. This provides the nutrition they need to work hard during the day. The centenarians of the Nicoya Peninsula have also captured the interest of the Institute of Social Studies in Population (Instituto de Estudios Sociales en Poblacin, IDESPO) of the National University (Universidad Nacional) of Costa Rica, which is carrying out a study on the subject this year. What are Blue Zones? It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. "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." Required fields are marked *, car rental deal! Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. 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. At the southern tip of the peninsula is Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. We do not need to wait for our cities of residence to adopt the principles for healthier living outlined in the Blue Zones Project. Rare species like pumas, ocelots, and margay cats make their home here too. Blue Zones Nicoya desarrolla alimentos, bebidas y suplementos inspirados en los centenarios de la. Though Costa Rica has just 0.03 percent of the planets surface, it has almost six percent of the worlds biodiversity and you might see (or hear!) Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. The reason why they are called "blue zones" is a curious story 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. For one, Costa Rica is a small country and most people never move away from the area they were born in. Do you have any questions about the Costa Rica Blue Zone? 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. Nicoya. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Sign up for theBLUE ZONES free weekly email where webring youexclusive interviews, cutting edge longevity news, and fresh tips for living longer, better. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! There are five areas of the world that meet the qualifications of Blue Zone as defined by Buettner. In the future, when we do emerge from the current pandemic, many cities and companies will revisit well-being as a main topic for their citizens and employees. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. Just note, you might have trouble finding a place to stay. 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. It's also an area identified as a "Blue Zone . By comparison, a person in the United States can reasonably expect to live to just 77, according to federal census data. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. To my delight, Costa Rica has its own Blue Zone - the Nicoya Peninsula! BOOK YOUR COSTA RICA RENTAL CAR AND SAVE 10%. "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. 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). Another option is to take the 75-minute ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya from Puntarenas to Paquera. I feel lucky to have found this information, though the credit doesn't belong to me, but rather to the older residents. We can no longer afford to allow the COVID pandemic to cause us to live in or out of a place of fear. If you want to really embrace the Nicoya Peninsula blue zone vibe, head to any small village in the area. obesity, or heart disease. Long-living creatures like sea turtles are frequent visitors to the Blue Zone too. Meaning, family ties are strong. For most of their lives, Nicoyan centenarians ate a traditional Mesoamerican diet highlighted with the three sisters of agriculture: squash, corn, and beans. Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! Community. The Ikarians and the Ikaria is another one of the Blue Zones, and the Costa Ricans, Nicoya, they're taking a nap. It helps them remain positive. What we can incorporate about Nicoya into our culture is the sense of purpose Nicoyans enjoy. Due to the Nicoya Peninsula's location in Central America, the area has an abundance of warm days with tons of sunlight. 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. Lane reasons why Chicago should use the Blue Zones template to improve the lives of people who live there. Nantipas special wellness booking includes yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic and sound therapies, and sessions with wellness coaches and personal trainers. Access to natural foods and organic fruits and vegetables (stables of the Nicoyans) is difficult to come by. In other words, it lives longer than the average global life expectancy. Almost 40 percent of the residents of the Nicoya Peninsula (about 5,000 of the population of 132,000) are over the age of 75, more than 900 are over the age of 90, and many are over 100. Many Nicoyans choose to walk from one destination to another instead of driving. We know we should include exercise into all parts of our lives (not just an hour at the gym). 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. Most residents here live to be over the age of 90 and there's a high number of centenarians as well. Meanwhile, last year the average individual from the United States ate 222.2 pounds of meat and poultry. Living Hotel partners with the Spacio spa, a five-minute walk away, which has several treatments geared to surfers. Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula joins Sardinia, Italy, Okinawa, Japan, Lima Linda, California, and Icaria, Greece as one of the world's five blue zones. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2008-2023 Law Dissertation Writing Services. English is widely spoken and the town has lots of tourist infrastructure with a wide variety of restaurant and accommodation choices. The Nicoya Peninsula, in Costa Rica, is one of them, . 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. Beyond this context, however, the health authorities are taking measures to help Costa Ricans reach over 80 years of age in good health. Santa Teresa is great for surfing and enjoying a small but vibrant town with a backpacker vibe. The forest here is more tropical than further north and is home to deer, pacas, monkeys, armadillos, laughing gulls, pelicans, frigates, and brown boobies. The five known Blue Zones identified in Buettner's book include:. Read more below about the lessons that Nicoya, Costa Rica can teach you about longevity. 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.