If we can harness that, we can hopefully improve the health of future generations. 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. Another is a focus on family and a special ability to listen and laugh. Surprisingly, happiness and keeping a focus on family are two of the main components. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Modern Nicoyans roots to the indigenous Chorotega and their traditions have enabled them to remain relatively free of stress. Nantipa means blue in the language of the Chorotega people, some of the first known people to live in the Nicoya region. It's also an area identified as a "Blue Zone . 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. . 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. These cantons are: Carillo, Hojancha, Nicoya, Santa Cruz, and Nandoyure. For one, Costa Rica is a small country and most people never move away from the area they were born in. There are five areas of the world that meet the qualifications of Blue Zone as defined by Buettner. What are Blue Zones? Feel free to leave them in the comment section below. Drain and pat the onions dry with paper towel. 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). Sign up for theBLUE ZONES free weekly email where webring youexclusive interviews, cutting edge longevity news, and fresh tips for living longer, better. Having worked with the pioneers in mind-body research and psychoneuroimmunology. The Nicoya Peninsula is in many ways isolated from the rest of Costa Rica due to geography. Tamarindo is also a great place for solo travelers. The forest here is more tropical than further north and is home to deer, pacas, monkeys, armadillos, laughing gulls, pelicans, frigates, and brown boobies. 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. 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. Montezuma: Best Hotels in Costa Rica. "The five cantons of the peninsula continue to appear with greater longevity and we've confirmed this everywhere we've investigated. The traditional diet in the area is also notable. They wake up. You can hike along trails, go horseback riding, kayak through the mangroves, and swim off the beach. 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. Everywhere you go in Costa Rica, youll hear pura vida! and soon feel the freedom to adopt the pura vida lifestyle yourself. One of the world's Blue Zones is in Nicoya, Costa Rica. While Nicoyans start their day by eating a healthy breakfast, their diet is not the only secret to living long lives. They embrace the relaxed Pura Vida lifestyle and family always comes first. 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). According to researchers, most inhabitants live to at least the age of 90.. Dan discovered five places where residents have low rates of chronic disease and live longer than anywhere else. I suggest visiting Cabuya (a small town between Montezuma and Santa Teresa) or San Francisco de Coyote (a remote beach town). But we must also consider the impact of our individual health and lifestyle choices on future generations. What are Blue Zones? In a few, unique communities around the globe, people live long and heathy lives, up to and past 100. These regions are considered Blue Zones. 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. Buettner's studies on the Nicoya Peninsula revealed eight key factors that affect people's life expectancy. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Access to natural foods and organic fruits and vegetables (stables of the Nicoyans) is difficult to come by. 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. Protein helps to rebuild and repair tissue, as well as it helps a person to feel full. Changing the American diet and culture around the food we eat can help save lives. Eating fewer calories appears to be one of the surest ways to add years to your life. Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica: Researchers found that the probability of becoming a centenarian for a 60-year-old man residing in Nicoya is 4.8%, which was even more than double that of Okinawa, the second highest in the comparison, and it was almost seven times that of Sardinia and Japan (6). Costa Rica Tourism Board, Institutional Site, Costa Rica Convention Center, Promotional Site, Costa Rica Tourism Board | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map. Still planning? We're going to focus on the last one, mostly because it hits close to home. Guevara lives in the Nicoya peninsula of Costa Rica. Wildlife is abundant. Blue zones are regions where some of the oldest and healthiest people live. Nantipas special wellness booking includes yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic and sound therapies, and sessions with wellness coaches and personal trainers. English is widely spoken and the town has lots of tourist infrastructure with a wide variety of restaurant and accommodation choices. 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. 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 Blue Zones have a direct link to the promotion of tourism in the country, since it fits in well wellness tourism. 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. Blue Zones Nicoya desarrolla alimentos, bebidas y suplementos inspirados en los centenarios de la. 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). 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). Swimming holes dot the peninsula too, including beneath the Montezuma waterfall. The world has a number of 'Blue Zones', areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. O segreto da Zona Azul de Nicoya. 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. 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. 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. As of now, there are 5 blue zones: Icaria, Greece. The most southerly point is Cabo Blanco Reserve and the south coast also has the town of Tambor. If you want to really embrace the Nicoya Peninsula blue zone vibe, head to any small village in the area. Also, the environment just exudes joy. Healthy and supportive relationships with friends and family are another one of their keys to longevity. 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. Due to the Nicoya Peninsula's location in Central America, the area has an abundance of warm days with tons of sunlight. 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. Nicoya, Costa Rica A Latin American Blue Zone. According to Buettner's studies, the Nicoya Peninsula has the world's lowest rates of middle-age mortality and the second highest convergence of male centenarians. 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. And here are two great reports done that will give you a better understanding of the Nicoya people, area, and mindset. 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. For more information read our privacy policy. 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. Technology permeates everyday life and Nicoya is the perfect place to go for a digital detox. 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. 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. 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. For those who might need some meal ideas, Dan Buettner, wrote the Blue Zones Kitchen cookbook. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. They know how to listen, laugh, and appreciate what they have. When you book through our trusted partners we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We hope you love the Blue Zone Costa Rica stays we recommend. Rhuigi Villaseor Kept His Foot On The Gas. 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 . All rights reserved. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Is the Nicoya Peninsula good for a Wellness getaway? Not long after, he began to lead trips to the first Blue Zones that he had discovered. 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. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2008-2023 Law Dissertation Writing Services. There will be a lot to learn and a lot to do to get back to a healthier normal. 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. Despite that, the area has many of the same ideals that the rest of Costa Ricans have. Not only do they live longer, their metabolism is better, the levels of cognitive impairment are lower, and they function at a higher level. 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 Rooms have a mini fridge and theres a communal kitchen plus bikes to rent. Many of us in Western countries know we need to eat less junk and add more natural food to our diets. Blessed with sandy beaches and tropical forest, it's something of a backpackers' paradise. Your email address will not be published. We have a full guide to the ferry here. By TCRN STAFF October 5, 2022 528 0 Also, calcium is important for bones. They typically do not consume a lot of meat. Add the red onions, sliced radishes, tomatoes, orange supremes, cilantro and 3 tablespoons oil to the cabbage. We know we should include exercise into all parts of our lives (not just an hour at the gym). Getting up in the air on tree canopy tours via ziplines and rope bridges is popular throughout Costa Rica. The Power of Nine is the name Buetnner has given to the characteristics that all Blue Zones seem to share. For just over 15 years he has been monitoring and accompanying the long-lived people that . Eco-tourism is a natural must in this out-of-this-world scenario, where everything that happens is in a quiet, lovely pace. Nicoya is located far off in Northeastern Costa Rica. They have been able to exceed their life expectancy and serve as an example for the entire world. Try our meal idea that reflects elements of the Nicoyan Peninsula Blue Zoners' diet. 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. Meaning, family ties are strong. Spirituality and religious involvement/ beliefs. Beyond this context, however, the health authorities are taking measures to help Costa Ricans reach over 80 years of age in good health. 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. The Nicoya Peninsula, in Costa Rica, is one of them, . 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. Residents of this 80-mile peninsula found south of the Nicaraguan border have the world's lowest middle-age mortality rates, and the second highest number of male centenarians in the world. They also practice good physical and mental health. 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. obesity, or heart disease. They feel needed and want to contribute to a greater good. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. Gone are the days of making your own food and growing organic produce. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. This is a BETA experience. Conzcanos. Warm, Sunny Climate. They begin each meal with a prayer. The distinguished list included pioneering researchers on this subject: Michel Poulain of Belgium, Dr. Gianni Mario Pes and Paolo Francalacci from Sardinia, Italy, Christina Chrysochoou from Icaria, Greece, Makoto Suzuki from Okinawa, Japan, Gina Siapco from Loma Linda, USA, and Diego Bernardini from Argentina. The Adventists are praying. First and foremost, the competition to get ahead isnt the same here as it is in some other western countries. It is the reason why the founder of Omega Institute set up Blue Spirit in Nosara and a Longevity center. 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. 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. Heres how to plan a trip to the Blue Zone in Costa Rica. It was time for me to conquer the Nicoya Peninsula. 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 supplement your diet and make sure youre getting enough of this vital nutrient. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. So why is it that the people of Nicoya outlive so many others? Moderate alcohol intake, especially wine. A nine-hole golf course is a mile away. Successful centenarians have a strong sense of purpose. It includes black beans, cooked plantains, fresh papaya, yams, squash, homemade corn tortillas, and fish (if near the coast). Meanwhile, last year the average individual from the United States ate 222.2 pounds of meat and poultry. O que so Zonas Azuis? These cookies do not store any personal information. The most popular towns to visit here are Montezuma and Santa Teresa. It definitely runs contrary to what was written up about the Nicoya people in "The Blue Zones." In that book, their diet was characterized as primarily vegetarian. 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. 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. Nicoya, Costa Rica: A Puzzling Blue Zone Diet Light on Vegetables and High in Carbohydrate and Sugar. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. 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. The proper mindset about longevity is not about aspiring to live to a very old age, but to enjoy the best quality of life possible during the last ten years we live, says Alvaro Cedeno-Molinari, a former Costa Rican diplomat and ambassador who works intensely promoting bioliteracy, regeneration, and well-being as holistic healthy mindsets. And a breakfast rich with antioxidants helps to protect a persons cells from disease. The five blue zones are: Loma Linda, California; Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. These areas are: Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Ikaria, Greece. 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. Full of natural beauty, endless sunlight, white beaches and radiant ocean, Nicoya reigns as one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica. However, both towns have a more touristy vibe to them. Costa Rica is known for its pura vida lifestyle and attitude. Now is the time for cities like Chicago to learn from the five Blue Zones throughout the world like Nicoya, Costa Rica. 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. Are We Headed To A World In Which We Own Nothing? Hi, my name is Mike Gillespie & I'm fundraising to help support the Blue Zone communities in Nicoya Costa Rica. This treasure includes the atmosphere around you." It is fascinating to see which factors play into long lifespan including how you can emulate this lifestyle. One is the plan de vida, or reason to live, which propels a positive outlook among elders and helps keep them active. LIKED THIS? Maintaining close ties with family and friends helps reduce stress. 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). The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. 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. Where are the world's Blue Zones located? On today's podcast, Gina does some serious myth-busting about what has kept the centenarians so well, for so long. Black bean starter To a small pot over medium-low heat, add one can of rinsed black beans. 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?

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