why is nicoya, costa rica a blue zone

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. As of now, there are 5 blue zones: Icaria, Greece. Spirituality and religious involvement/ beliefs. There are two trails for visitors and a pristine white sand beach. A blue zone is a geographical area in which the population is the longest-lived. The surroundings dictate ways of operating, not personal decisions. 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. He then went on release a book The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who Have Lived the Longest in 2008. One of the world's Blue Zones is in Nicoya, Costa Rica. In other words, it lives longer than the average global life expectancy. Your best bet might be finding a VRBO instead of a hotel. This Blue Zone is in the mountains of the Nicoyan Peninsula in western Costa Rica. Where are the world's Blue Zones located? The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. 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. 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. Its also easy to eat healthy in Costa Rica, with its abundance of local foods grown in its fertile volcanic soil. All Rights Reserved. I have been exploring the data reported by National Geographic and Dan Buettner in the Blue Zones Solution: . For those who might need some meal ideas, Dan Buettner, wrote the Blue Zones Kitchen cookbook. Buettner approached National Geograhic with his idea and they agreed to help fund his research. The climate in the Blue Zone is very mild, which may help to protect against diseases. They also practice good physical and mental health. 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). Several of Nicoyas beaches like those in the Ostional National Wildlife Reserve are nesting grounds for Kemps Ridley, green, and leatherback turtles. We have a full guide to the ferry here. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The Today Show's Cynthia McFadden accompanied Blue Zones founder Dan Buettner to Costa Rica and Singapore to learn why they these two different places have such happy residents. Here are some of the factors that make Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula a blue zone worth visiting. Soltara Healing Center is located on the calm and pristine Gulf of Nicoya in the mountainous jungle of Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula. Just note, you might have trouble finding a place to stay. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. In parallel, and with the purpose of generating public policies, a Framework Cooperation Agreement in order to establish, promote and support the Blue Zone in the Nicoya Peninsula. 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. 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. The baby turtles hatch 45 to 54 days later and, if theyre lucky, might live another 50 to 80 years. In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average life span is 85among the world's highest. People often consider the impact of global decisions on future generations through legislation. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. It is not unusual for several generations to gather on a regular basis for lively gatherings. Wellness enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. Now, visiting Nicoya doesnt mean youll automatically live to 100, but a trip there is likely to put you on the path to pure life thanks to its natural environment and abundance of healthy activities. 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. This healthy breakfast gives them the nutrients they need for a day of tending crops and livestock. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. In these areas people have low rates of chronic diseases, so they tend to live longer than in other places. 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). 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. 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. Throughout the world, the average life expectancy is 71 years of age (70 for males and 72 for females). 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. Add the red onions, sliced radishes, tomatoes, orange supremes, cilantro and 3 tablespoons oil to the cabbage. Another is a focus on family and a special ability to listen and laugh. 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 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. Compreende os 5 cantos da Pennsula de Nicoya: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz e Nicoya. Offering barefoot luxury on Playa Langosta this family-owned boutique hotel is a 15-minute walk from downtown Tamarindo. Longevity then would not be a luxury only reserved for a few living in Blue Zones, but a reality for billions.. Now is the time for cities like Chicago to learn from the five Blue Zones throughout the world like Nicoya, Costa Rica. It is also one of the world's Blue Zones. 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. We must make the health of future generations our responsibility by implementing the lifestyles of the Blue Zones people now. However, both towns have a more touristy vibe to them. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Complex carbs provide the energy a person needs to get through the day. Speaking of work, finding work/life balance is a constant challenge for many. Come to Nicoya, Costa Rica, One of the World's Five 'Blue Zones' The Nicoya Peninsula has a high concentration of people over 100 years old and a low incidence of health problems like cancer or heart disease. English is widely spoken and the town has lots of tourist infrastructure with a wide variety of restaurant and accommodation choices. What are Blue Zones? 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. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. So, having extra-hard water may help keep Nicoyans' hearts strong, and longer. El propsito de la compaa es promover y crear conciencia sobre el consumo de productos de alta calidad, con valor nutricional y . March 2nd, 2023. Blue zones are regions where some of the oldest and healthiest people live. A research team is currently researching the . 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. 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 first emerged in 2005 in a Nation Geographic magazine cover, "The Secrets of a Long Life.". These characteristics are: Despite this, it is believed that 30% of a long healthy life comes from genes and 70% is based on lifestyle. 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. Nicoyans eat a light dinner early in the evening. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 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. Of course, there is still a desire for success (especially in the cities) but in general, the priorities are shifted. The Adobe Rent-A-Car discount includes.. DISCOUNTED SMARTPHONE USAGE WITH UNLIMITED DATA. Over the last several months, the world has mourned the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives. 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 supplement your diet and make sure youre getting enough of this vital nutrient. He has written numerous books on the topic, but I suggest starting with: Blue Zones of Happiness and The Blue Zones Kitchen (a cookbook). 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. Modern Nicoyans roots to the indigenous Chorotega and their traditions have enabled them to remain relatively free of stress. They feel needed, and their daily lives revolve around their family and community. Its one of our favorite places in Costa Rica and most likely where we would move if we ever moved to the beach. Eating fewer calories appears to be one of the surest ways to add years to your life. 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. Moderate alcohol intake, especially wine. The Power of Nine is the name Buetnner has given to the characteristics that all Blue Zones seem to share. Nicoyans often live more than 100 years and Nicoya boasts of the highest number of centenarians in the world. Your email address will not be published. The Tortuga Islands are offshore and are a frequent destination for snorkeling trips, even from other parts of the peninsula. 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. I feel lucky to have found this information, though the credit doesn't belong to me, but rather to the older residents. 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. 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. Nicoya is a small, rural beach community located on the Guanacaste peninsula on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. First and foremost, the competition to get ahead isnt the same here as it is in some other western countries. He worked with several notable anthropolgists, dieticians, historians, and geneticists to identify and further understand what contributes to a long lifespan. 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. 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. 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 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). 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. 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. I cant blame you. Montezuma: Best Hotels in Costa Rica. These regions are considered Blue Zones. Sustainability is said to be a way of life, and Costa Rica has actually reversed deforestation; protects more than a quarter of its landmass via 29 national parks, 19 wildlife refuges, and eight biological reserves; gets 93 percent of its electricity from renewable resources, and aims to be completely decarbonized by 2050. Nicoya is famous for being a marvelous playground for surfers all over 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. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2008-2023 Law Dissertation Writing Services. 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. Getting up in the air on tree canopy tours via ziplines and rope bridges is popular throughout Costa Rica. Face-to-Face Conversations. The sustainable and equitable promotion of the long-living population of seniors and the establishment of a cultural agenda aimed at strengthening sustainable, rural, community tourism stood out among the commitments made. What we can incorporate about Nicoya into our culture is the sense of purpose Nicoyans enjoy. 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. When you book through our trusted partners we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. Making the smart choice in traditional Blue Zones is often the only choice available, not really a choice at all. 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. Changing the American diet and culture around the food we eat can help save lives. A hike from the town of Montezuma will bring you past several cooling-off pools on your way to the three cascades of this waterfall, perhaps the most visited one on the peninsula. These areas are: Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Ikaria, Greece. There are five areas of the world that meet the qualifications of Blue Zone as defined by Buettner. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! 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. The five blue zones are: Loma Linda, California; Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. The world has a number of 'Blue Zones', areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. About two hours down the coast from Tamarindo is Nosara, Nicoyas yoga center (the Nosara Yoga Institute here offers teacher training). 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. 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. 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 . The international attendees also included Dan Buettner, a reporter and researcher for National Geographic, who has been responsible for popularizing the concept of Blue Zones through the publication of various articles and best-selling books that explore the direct connection between this issue and diet, spirituality, purpose in life and physical exercise, with happiness as a cross-cutting element. A stay at Nantipa will help you have a true Blue Zone adventure, especially if you book its transcendental wellness experience. Nicoya. At the southern tip of the peninsula is Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. To understand some of the reasons why Blue-Zoners live healthier, longer lives, let's take another look at Ricardo's daily routine. This treasure includes the atmosphere around you." This Central American nation isnt that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. It is not unusual for many generations to live on one property or in very close proximity to each other. They embrace the relaxed Pura Vida lifestyle and family always comes first. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. ", 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. Would you like to visit the Nicoya Peninsula? Healthy and supportive relationships with friends and family are another one of their keys to longevity. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. A "Blue Zone" is an area of the world where it is typical for people to live past 100 years old. Try our meal idea that reflects elements of the Nicoyan Peninsula Blue Zoners' diet. Centenarians seem to have enjoyed physical work of all their lives. Having worked with the pioneers in mind-body research and psychoneuroimmunology. This is a BETA experience. That sense of purpose drives them in all aspects of their lives. It is home to some of the most active, hard-working, and friendliest people on earth. Now I was excited to roam off the beaten path into a world-famous Nicoya Peninsula blue zone. 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. Blue Zone is a term created by author Dan Buettner, building off of research by demographers Michel Poulain, Ph.D., and Giovanni Pes, Ph.D. Hi! 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). If youre eating a standard American diet, its probably shaving about six to 10 years off of your life expectancy, Buettner says. Barrio La California, Nicoyan centenarians have been the focus of many articles. Beyond this context, however, the health authorities are taking measures to help Costa Ricans reach over 80 years of age in good health. 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. Many of us in Western countries know we need to eat less junk and add more natural food to our diets. So, what's the secret behind our region's long life? 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. It requires descending 17 yards down a ladder to see cave formations that resemble fried eggs, popcorn, roses, and shark teeth. Also, the environment just exudes joy. Ministry of Health data indicate that life expectancy is nearly 80 years, which is the highest in Central America, according to the World Bank. 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. 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. 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 want to really embrace the Nicoya Peninsula blue zone vibe, head to any small village in the area. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. But we must also consider the impact of our individual health and lifestyle choices on future generations. The Nicoya Peninsula, in Costa Rica, is one of them, . 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. Theyre focused on sick care, and so the actual healthcare is often neglected, says Chaves. 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. seen in blue zones. I suggest visiting Cabuya (a small town between Montezuma and Santa Teresa) or San Francisco de Coyote (a remote beach town). We are always happy to help you out! 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. Tamarindo is the most popular destination for international visitors with its golden beaches, many with consistent and gentle surfing waves, and nearby national parks and wildlife refuges. Rooms have a mini fridge and theres a communal kitchen plus bikes to rent. The best way we can mourn those lives lost is to honor them by creating a better future for our children, their children, and their childrens children by making healthier choices now. Because of this, they enjoy extremely low rates of heart disease. Check out all of our favorite travel companies. For one, Costa Rica is a small country and most people never move away from the area they were born in. However, Costa Rica's blue zone is so much more. Dinner is typically a light meal, consumed early in the evening which allows plenty of time for digestion before bed. If coming from San Jose, the easiest way to get to the Nicoya Peninsula is to take the ferry from Puntarenas. I will be visiting Costa Rica next week to meet with Jorge who founded a local organization that helps the small Blue Zone villages. 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. The World Meeting of Blue Zones laid the groundwork, in a spirit of s se puede (yes we can), envisioning a blue Costa Rica, following the example of healthy habits set by more than 900 inhabitants aged 90 or older, and the centenarians of Nicoya Peninsula. They wake up. The most amazing part about people who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica is that many of them live without medication or disability.

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