why is nicoya, costa rica a blue zone

And a breakfast rich with antioxidants helps to protect a persons cells from disease. Blue Zones Nicoya | Santa Cruz - Facebook Read more below about the lessons that Nicoya, Costa Rica can teach you about longevity. 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. 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. 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 Nicoya Peninsula, a Blue Zone in Costa Rica, is renowned for its tranquil, laid-back ambiance. Costa Rica Retreat Center in the Blue Zone - Soltara "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. The Adventists are praying. Ed #2798 Oficina #8 If we can harness that, we can hopefully improve the health of future generations. "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. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. Where are the world's Blue Zones located? 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). Meaning, family ties are strong. 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. Nicoya, Costa Rica A Latin American Blue Zone. Modern Nicoyans roots to the indigenous Chorotega and their traditions have enabled them to remain relatively free of stress. For those who might need some meal ideas, Dan Buettner, wrote the Blue Zones Kitchen cookbook. 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. WED LOVE IF YOUD ADD IT ON PINTEREST! The occasion was also used to release the most recent study on longevity by the Institute of Social Studies in Population (Instituto de Estudios Sociales en Poblacin, IDESPO) at the National University of Costa Rica. This Central American nation isnt that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. Nicoya, Costa Rica: A Puzzling Blue Zone Diet Light on Vegetables and 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. Directions: Toss the cabbage with the orange juice, season with salt and pepper and let sit 30 minutes. It is fascinating to see which factors play into long lifespan including how you can emulate this lifestyle. obesity, or heart disease. BOOK YOUR COSTA RICA RENTAL CAR AND SAVE 10%. Nicoya honey - Blue Zones Nicoya If youre eating a standard American diet, its probably shaving about six to 10 years off of your life expectancy, Buettner says. Look for howler and capuchin monkeys, parrots and parakeets, and bigger birds like herons and hawks. In the south between the Paquera ferry and the village of Tambor, youll have an excellent chance of seeing wildlife within the privately-owned Cur Wildlife Reserve. 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!) 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. For most of their lives, Nicoyan centenarians ate a traditional Mesoamerican diet highlighted with the three sisters of agriculture: squash, corn, and beans. Guest Writer for Wake Up World. The daily breakfast consists of gallo pinto (rice and beans) with a basket of homemade corn tortillas and hot coffee. Surprisingly, happiness and keeping a focus on family are two of the main components. For more information read our privacy policy. Pura vida means pure or simple life and Costa Ricas Nicoya Peninsula has what you could call extreme pura vida. Dan Buettner is really the man behind Blue Zones, so I suggest you start your interest with him. Just note, you might have trouble finding a place to stay. Theyre focused on sick care, and so the actual healthcare is often neglected, says Chaves. March 2nd, 2023. Are We Headed To A World In Which We Own Nothing? There are other blue zones in California, Italy, Greece, and Japan. Nicoya, Costa Rica, is a Central American Caribbean nation that boasts economic security and excellent health care. 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. The Blue Zone of Costa Rica | Costa Rica Christies 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2008-2023 Law Dissertation Writing Services. Most residents here live to be over the age of 90 and there's a high number of centenarians as well. I have been exploring the data reported by National Geographic and Dan Buettner in the Blue Zones Solution: . This vigorous village is one of the Blue Zones' unique hotspots. The quality of Nicoyas water might be one of the reasons residents live long enough to become centenarians and almost-centenarians. 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. 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. 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. Why people in 'Blue Zones' are outliving all of us | MDLinx At the southern tip of the peninsula is Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. 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 geographical areas are considered special, because most people live at least 90 and often over 100 years of age. We can start making healthier choices today, thus living more enriching lives and encouraging others to adopt similar healthy ways of living. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. 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. Win-win! A stay at Nantipa will help you have a true Blue Zone adventure, especially if you book its transcendental wellness experience. We know we should include exercise into all parts of our lives (not just an hour at the gym). But we must also consider the impact of our individual health and lifestyle choices on future generations. 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. The town of Nicoya is considered the oldest in Costa Rica, it is popularly known as "the colonial city". In an article in the Chicagoan, Marc J. On today's podcast, Gina does some serious myth-busting about what has kept the centenarians so well, for so long. 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. It was time for me to conquer the Nicoya Peninsula. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. The beautiful view of the beaches may also have a hand in this. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. What makes a 'Blue Zone' a 'Blue Zone'? - eaglesnestcr.com 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. Report from the 'Blue Zone': Why Do People Live Long in Costa Rica? 15 Reasons Expats Love Living In The Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica The term 'Blue Zone' was coined by Dan Buettner, a New York Times bestselling author, who was studying areas to some of the oldest people in the world. It is the reason why the founder of Omega Institute set up Blue Spirit in Nosara and a Longevity center. Costa Rica Blue Zone: Learn the Secrets to a Long and Happy Life Costa Rica as a whole is a happy place. Research shows that 30% of longevity comes from genes, and the remaining 70% from lifestyle. A three-course farm-to-table dinner with a tour of the organic garden is available Mondays and Thursdays. The Power of Nine is the name Buetnner has given to the characteristics that all Blue Zones seem to share. Not only do they live longer, their metabolism is better, the levels of cognitive impairment are lower, and they function at a higher level. Everything You Need To Know About the Blue Zone in Costa Rica Moderate alcohol intake, especially wine. 4. 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. Montezuma is great for long beach walks and jungle hikes. Why is Costa Rica one of the Happiest, Healthiest - Blue Zones Nicoya Hi, my name is Mike Gillespie & I'm fundraising to help support the Blue Zone communities in Nicoya Costa Rica. These include Nicoya, Costa Rica; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece . The town of Nosara, located in the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica, is a surfing and wellness hot spot located in one of the five "blue zones" in the world. O segreto da Zona Azul de Nicoya | Visitar Costa Rica | Costa Rica Nicoya, Costa Rica. Rhuigi Villaseor Kept His Foot On The Gas. He finished, stating emphatically "please keep it and put the new generation on the same line in the treasure of this Blue Zone.". 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. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. Nicoya, Costa Rica is one of those unique locations where lifestyle, diet, and low stress have dramatically bettered the lives of Ticos and expats alike. However, Costa Rica's blue zone is so much more. The Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone, in addition to aligning with our Wellness Pura Vida strategy, are important as a driver of wellness tourism throughout the country, highlighting the importance of creating authentic travel experiences. 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. These commitments also included mechanisms to develop best practices in health promotion in the "five blue cantons" of the Peninsula, strengthening support networks, and incentivizing the recuperation of life lessons and traditions. 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? On the peninsulas southeast coast is Tambor, with Nicoyas most southerly airport. A nine-hole golf course is a mile away. All of our step by step Costa Rica planning tips in one spot. 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). They are eye-opening and heart-tugging. 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. The Nicoyan way of life can enlighten people to make choices that will help to increase their life expectancy. Nearby are waterfalls at Montezuma, ziplining near the Cabo Blanco Reserve, and kite surfing. 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. 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. Nicoya, the "Blue Zone" in Costa Rica The Costa Rica News Not long after, he began to lead trips to the first Blue Zones that he had discovered. First and foremost, the competition to get ahead isnt the same here as it is in some other western countries. Nicoyas interior where most of the centenarians and almost-centenarians live and northeastern coast are less visited by tourists but still have much to offer. As of now, there are 5 blue zones: Icaria, Greece. Try cutting out some meat and replacing it with fresh vegetables and fruit. Blue Zone - Samara, Costa Rica, Samara Beach, Playa Samara, Carrillo You may opt-out by. However, both towns have a more touristy vibe to them. Montezuma: Best Hotels in Costa Rica. This provides the nutrition they need to work hard during the day. Lane cites the impact of COVID-19 on minorities like Blacks and Hispanics throughout Chicago. Stir in two chopped plum tomatoes, half of a finely chopped onion and one . 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. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Rare species like pumas, ocelots, and margay cats make their home here too. All rights reserved. One of the world's Blue Zones is in Nicoya, Costa Rica. the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica'S Blue Zone Technology permeates everyday life and Nicoya is the perfect place to go for a digital detox. It remains to be seen if the COVID pandemic will affect that average. Full of natural beauty, endless sunlight, white beaches and radiant ocean, Nicoya reigns as one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica. Face-to-Face Conversations. Living Hotel partners with the Spacio spa, a five-minute walk away, which has several treatments geared to surfers. Spirituality and religious involvement/ beliefs. Speaking of work, finding work/life balance is a constant challenge for many. Healthy Blue Zone Recipes | Best Health Magazine Why is Costa Rica one of the Happiest, Healthiest Places - Blue Zones These areas are: Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Ikaria, Greece. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Blue Zone Costa Rica: Living Longer, Living Better Many Nicoyans choose to walk from one destination to another instead of driving. We know that the diet here is different than that of the rest of the country, and that the character of the people here is unique in the world. 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. The Blue Zone in Costa Rica: Where People Live their Best Life 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. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Now is the time for cities like Chicago to learn from the five Blue Zones throughout the world like Nicoya, Costa Rica. Or, get your zen on at La Senda, the wellness center on a 74-acre forested property near Tamarindo. Currently, three emblematic examples of this Blue Zone include the centenarians Jos Bonifacio "Pachito" Villegas, from Pochote de Quebrada Honda, Nicoya, who rides a horse every day at age 100, Trinidad Espinoza, who recounts anecdotes from Costa Rica in the 1930s continuously while she feeds her chickens, and Dmaso Mendoza, age 102, who, on receiving a visitor, always talks about her years as a dancer and how she enjoys the company of the five generations of her family in Santa Ana de Beln, Carillo. By comparison, a person in the United States can reasonably expect to live to just 77, according to federal census data. Changing the American diet and culture around the food we eat can help save lives. 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). 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. The Nicoya Peninsula has several on offer, including near Tamarindo, outside the Cabo Blanco Reserve near Playa Mal Pais, and above the Montezuma waterfall. Wildlife is abundant. He then went on release a book The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who Have Lived the Longest in 2008. 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. So, what's the secret behind our region's long life? Maintaining close ties with family and friends helps reduce stress. 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. Successful centenarians have a strong sense of purpose. That means family ties are the backbone for most peoples existence. Arising from this need, one of the results of the meeting was the establishment of an International Network on Healthy Aging, which will be led from Costa Rica in order to "build knowledge collaboratively", said Montero. uma atrativa pergunta explica que os habitantes de Guanacaste e sim dvida contar com uma das cinco que existem no mundo um orgulho para todos os habitantes da provincia. 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. They have been able to exceed their life expectancy and serve as an example for the entire world. 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. They have a simplistic lifestyle - Nicoyans ordinarily make a living as farmers and or cattle ranchers, and this consistent activity is said to be one of the reasons for their longevity. They find joy in everyday physical chores. 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. That's why this part of Costa Rica is designated a Blue Zone, the term used for just five areas of the world where people live extraordinarily long and vibrant lives. 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. Contents1 Is Costa Rica considered [] 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. 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. That is when brands, businesses and cities will be able to look at Blue Zones like the one in Nicoya and find a model to follow. 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. This healthy breakfast gives them the nutrients they need for a day of tending crops and livestock. When that day comes, Nicoyas Blue Zone will continue to be an example of the resiliency of the human body and spirit. 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 9 Secrets Boosting a Long Life in Nicoya, Costa Rica: They have a strong sense of purpose No matter how old they are, Nicoyans have a strong sense of purpose, a reason to live longer. It requires descending 17 yards down a ladder to see cave formations that resemble fried eggs, popcorn, roses, and shark teeth. 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