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. Also, calcium is important for bones. Long-living creatures like sea turtles are frequent visitors to the Blue Zone too. These centenarians help teach us the value of those important little things," said Mauricio Ventura, Minister of Tourism, with pride. Rooms have a mini fridge and theres a communal kitchen plus bikes to rent. 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). In mid-November 2017, the first World Meeting of Blue Zones was held. Located on the Guanacaste Peninsula in northwestern Costa Rica, Nicoya is a rural, beachside, blue-zone community. I have been exploring the data reported by National Geographic and Dan Buettner in the Blue Zones Solution: . On the peninsulas southeast coast is Tambor, with Nicoyas most southerly airport. 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. Scarlet macaws are bred in Tambor and youll have a chance of seeing them, even on the beach. 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. If youre eating a standard American diet, its probably shaving about six to 10 years off of your life expectancy, Buettner says. They also practice good physical and mental health. obesity, or heart disease. We are always happy to help you out! Guest Writer for Wake Up World. What Is The Potential Of Generative AI In Healthcare? ", 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. 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. The reason why they are called "blue zones" is a curious story We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. It's also an area identified as a "Blue Zone . You can replicate some of the long-life characteristics of the Nicoya Peninsula on a trip to Costa Ricas Blue Zone and then turn them into healthy habits when you return home. 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. 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. They wake up. Throughout the world, the average life expectancy is 71 years of age (70 for males and 72 for females). 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. He then went on release a book The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who Have Lived the Longest in 2008. 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. To my delight, Costa Rica has its own Blue Zone - the Nicoya Peninsula! It is the reason why the founder of Omega Institute set up Blue Spirit in Nosara and a Longevity center. Many of us in Western countries know we need to eat less junk and add more natural food to our diets. The quality of Nicoyas water might be one of the reasons residents live long enough to become centenarians and almost-centenarians. March 2nd, 2023. One thing I found especially interesting is the idea that this long life span is dying out. BOOK YOUR COSTA RICA RENTAL CAR AND SAVE 10%. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Inadequate calcium means weak muscles -- including the heart. There are five regions around the world called the Blue Zones: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece, and Loma Linda, California. Nicoya isn't full of marathon runners . English is widely spoken and the town has lots of tourist infrastructure with a wide variety of restaurant and accommodation choices. 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. Protein helps to rebuild and repair tissue, as well as it helps a person to feel full. Fish is a lean protein and provides oils which help with overall brain function. 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. Certain common characteristics were also established in order to determine whether additional Blue Zones could be added in the near future. Dinner is typically a light meal, consumed early in the evening which allows plenty of time for digestion before bed. 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). We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Moderate alcohol intake, especially wine. 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. WED LOVE IF YOUD ADD IT ON PINTEREST! People who have diabetes, heart conditions, or are overweight tend to have a more difficult time if they are infected by COVID-19. 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. Are We Headed To A World In Which We Own Nothing? O segreto da Zona Azul de Nicoya. 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. Nicoya, Costa Rica, is a Central American Caribbean nation that boasts economic security and excellent health care. Successful centenarians have a strong sense of purpose. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! 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. In other words, people in these zones to live longer than any other areas in the world. The daily breakfast consists of gallo pinto (rice and beans) with a basket of homemade corn tortillas and hot coffee. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. They eat many fruits and vegetables often grown on their own lands, and they tend not to consume much meat. So, Nicoya is another blue zone in the world alongside Okinawa (Japan), Cerdea (Italia), Icaria (Greece) and Loma Linda (California). You can, thanks to the world's "blue zones." You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Blue Zones Nicoya desarrolla alimentos, bebidas y suplementos inspirados en los centenarios de la. 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. Costa Rica Tourism Board, Institutional Site, Costa Rica Convention Center, Promotional Site, Costa Rica Tourism Board | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map. The Peninsula is covered by spectacular beaches that host nature's best. This is a BETA experience. 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. Not only do they live longer, their metabolism is better, the levels of cognitive impairment are lower, and they function at a higher level. My fourth investigation into exactly what our Blue Zone folks eat has left this dietitian, well, intrigued. 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. A research team is currently researching the . 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. 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. Still planning? 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? Genetics and Costa Ricas natural environment certainly play a large part, but lifestyle is a major factor in why Blue Zone residents live so long. Research shows that 30% of longevity comes from genes, and the remaining 70% from lifestyle. They begin each meal with a prayer. Eco-tourism is a natural must in this out-of-this-world scenario, where everything that happens is in a quiet, lovely pace. 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. But we must also consider the impact of our individual health and lifestyle choices on future generations. Where are the world's Blue Zones located? We do not need to wait for our cities of residence to adopt the principles for healthier living outlined in the Blue Zones Project. Longevity then would not be a luxury only reserved for a few living in Blue Zones, but a reality for billions.. 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. This treasure includes the atmosphere around you." There will be a lot to learn and a lot to do to get back to a healthier normal. Costa Rica is known for its pura vida lifestyle and attitude. They have been able to exceed their life expectancy and serve as an example for the entire world. 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. While the Blue Zones project Lane discusses isnt a cure for COVID-19, the principals lived by the people in those zones could increase the chance of livelihood for people of other cultures. One of the world's Blue Zones is in Nicoya, Costa Rica. Another is a focus on family and a special ability to listen and laugh. For example, we know that Nicoya is the driest part of Costa Rica, that it used to be part of Nicaragua, and that more Indians intermarried with the Spanish who began settling here in 1510. Technology permeates everyday life and Nicoya is the perfect place to go for a digital detox. We hope you love the Blue Zone Costa Rica stays we recommend. In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average life span is 85among the world's highest. Beyond this context, however, the health authorities are taking measures to help Costa Ricans reach over 80 years of age in good health. 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. Blue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longest. The baby turtles hatch 45 to 54 days later and, if theyre lucky, might live another 50 to 80 years. 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. 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. 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. 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). This is an excerpt fromBlue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longestby Dan Buettner, copyright 2008, all rights reserved. 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). The world has a number of Blue Zones, areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. 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). 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".
why is nicoya, costa rica a blue zone