why is nicoya, costa rica a blue zone

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. A "Blue Zone" is a region of the world where people commonly live past the age of 100 years.In "Blue Zone Nicoya Peninsula", residents live even longer than those in other areas of Costa Rica. The gateway to the Nicoya Peninsula is the beach town of Tamarindo on the west coast, which is very popular with international travelers. Maintaining close ties with family and friends helps reduce stress. Read more below about the lessons that Nicoya, Costa Rica can teach you about longevity. Wildlife is abundant. Its very interesting, and I mean, who doesnt love a good TED Talk? I had visited the famous Costa Rica "must-see" spots - Arenal, Manuel Antonio, the cloud forest, the Osa Peninsula - some of them a few times. The baby turtles hatch 45 to 54 days later and, if theyre lucky, might live another 50 to 80 years. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! In mid-November 2017, the first World Meeting of Blue Zones was held. 1 - The Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. A "Blue Zone" is an area of the world where it is typical for people to live past 100 years old. This is an excerpt fromBlue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longestby Dan Buettner, copyright 2008, all rights reserved. It is also one of the world's Blue Zones. Book a transfer from your hotel, opt for a shuttle or public bus, or take a domestic flight to one of the peninsulas larger towns. But the simplest truth is that what one needs is to sleep eight hours every night, eat a nutritious, plant-based diet during a six-hour period to give your pancreas an 18-hour break until your next meal, and be at peace with everything and everyone all of the time, he adds. Some sea turtles have even lived to age 150. 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. 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). When Dan Buettner introduced the concept of Blue Zones, he formed the Blue Zones Project. This provides the nutrition they need to work hard during the day. 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. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 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. Nicoya isn't full of marathon runners . Moderate alcohol intake, especially wine. There are other blue zones in California, Italy, Greece, and Japan. Costa Rica holds one of the original 5 blue zones of the world and you will find yourself in one of them if you decide on living in the Nicoya Peninsula. 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. They have been able to exceed their life expectancy and serve as an example for the entire world. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Face-to-Face Conversations. So, having extra-hard water may help keep Nicoyans' hearts strong, and longer. 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. The climate in the Blue Zone is very mild, which may help to protect against diseases. howler and white face monkeys, red variegated squirrels, sloths, anteaters, raccoon-like coatis, butterflies, plus some 900 bird species including the fiery-billed aracari toucan and the rufous-tailed hummingbird. It requires descending 17 yards down a ladder to see cave formations that resemble fried eggs, popcorn, roses, and shark teeth. One thing I found especially interesting is the idea that this long life span is dying out. Without a doubt, this is a challenge for the next generations, in the context of the world's age pyramid turning upside down, with ever more senior citizens. 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. 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. 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". In other words, people in these zones to live longer than any other areas in the world. Check out all of our favorite travel companies. By TCRN STAFF October 5, 2022 528 0 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. Famous for its gorgeous Pacific Coast beaches and well known for its surfing, wellness, yoga, and vibrant sunsets, the Nicoya peninsula is a paradise for the mind, body, and soul. Making the smart choice in traditional Blue Zones is often the only choice available, not really a choice at all. Are We Headed To A World In Which We Own Nothing? In terms of a definition, these zones are geographical areas with a high concentration of long-lived populations, who frequently reach ninety or one hundred years of age. 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. Their traditional diet of fortified maize and beans may be the best nutritional combination for longevity the world has ever known. Another option is to take the 75-minute ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya from Puntarenas to Paquera. 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. Sign up for theBLUE ZONES free weekly email where webring youexclusive interviews, cutting edge longevity news, and fresh tips for living longer, better. 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). The quality of Nicoyas water might be one of the reasons residents live long enough to become centenarians and almost-centenarians. Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). They also practice good physical and mental health. There are two trails for visitors and a pristine white sand beach. 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. 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. Nicoya is a small, rural beach community located on the Guanacaste peninsula on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. Also, we would love to hear your thoughts on Blue Zones and what constitutes a long lifestyle. It's also an area identified as a "Blue Zone . 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). We know we should include exercise into all parts of our lives (not just an hour at the gym). The Power of Nine is the name Buetnner has given to the characteristics that all Blue Zones seem to share. The Nicoya Peninsula, in Costa Rica, is one of them, . Guest Writer for Wake Up World. 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Nicoya, Costa Rica. Swimming holes dot the peninsula too, including beneath the Montezuma waterfall. On today's podcast, Gina does some serious myth-busting about what has kept the centenarians so well, for so long. Montezuma is great for long beach walks and jungle hikes. I also suggest watching his TED Talk. I'm a Chief Metaverse Officer and a web3 luxury and fashion innovator. Spirituality and religious involvement/ beliefs. Due to the Nicoya Peninsula's location in Central America, the area has an abundance of warm days with tons of sunlight. Nicoya is located on the Guanacaste peninsula in Costa Rica, and is considered one of the 7 blue zones found worldwide. Are you interested in learning more about the Costa Rica Blue Zone and other zones of the world? 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. The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. My Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Retreat. First and foremost, the competition to get ahead isnt the same here as it is in some other western countries. The term "Blue Zone" was first used in a 2005 National Geographic cover story entitled "The Secret of Long Life" written by a man named Dan Buettner. 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. 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. It is a template outlining the lifestyles of people who live in places like Nicoya, Costa Rica. 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. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Eco-tourism is a natural must in this out-of-this-world scenario, where everything that happens is in a quiet, lovely pace. Also, calcium is important for bones. I cant blame you. Add the red onions, sliced radishes, tomatoes, orange supremes, cilantro and 3 tablespoons oil to the cabbage. 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 Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average lifespan is 85 among the world's highest. There will be a lot to learn and a lot to do to get back to a healthier normal. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. If you want to get underground, Barra Honda National Park has a system of 42 caves and you can explore Terciopelo Cave on a tour. This Blue Zone is in the mountains of the Nicoyan Peninsula in western Costa Rica. These places are full of one-hundred-year-olds who have reached such like live wires, not in bed or in hospital. A three-course farm-to-table dinner with a tour of the organic garden is available Mondays and Thursdays. "The five cantons of the peninsula continue to appear with greater longevity and we've confirmed this everywhere we've investigated. Rooms have a mini fridge and theres a communal kitchen plus bikes to rent. Nosara also has three beaches remote black sand Playa Nosara, Playa Guiones with some of Costa Ricas best surfing, and Playa Pelada for tide pools, blow holes, snorkeling, and swimming. Actually, it is home. Complex carbs provide the energy a person needs to get through the day. The town of Nicoya is considered the oldest in Costa Rica, it is popularly known as "the colonial city". 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. It was a spontaneous decision to move here, but it was the best decision! Lunch is the main meal in Costa Rica (its better for your digestion to eat a bigger breakfast and lunch and a lighter dinner). Who knows, maybe it will change your life! 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. In other words, Nicoyans receive a healthy dose of vitamins in their daily diet. Another is a focus on family and a special ability to listen and laugh. These include Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece, and you guessed it; Nicoya, Costa Rica. He then had the idea to research areas in the world with the longest lifespan. Brand Storytelling At Sundance: Championing Excellence And Filmmakers With Purpose, Profitable ECommerce Growth For CPGs Is In Reach. Try opting to walk places instead of driving. 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. 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. 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. He has written numerous books on the topic, but I suggest starting with: Blue Zones of Happiness and The Blue Zones Kitchen (a cookbook). Lane cites the impact of COVID-19 on minorities like Blacks and Hispanics throughout Chicago. Many of us in Western countries know we need to eat less junk and add more natural food to our diets. He finished, stating emphatically "please keep it and put the new generation on the same line in the treasure of this Blue Zone.". Going down the west coast from Tamarindo youll find several beach towns, most notably yoga center Nosara and surfers paradise Santa Teresa. When you book through our trusted partners we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. mobile app. Nearby are waterfalls at Montezuma, ziplining near the Cabo Blanco Reserve, and kite surfing. Barrio La California, "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. Long-living creatures like sea turtles are frequent visitors to the Blue Zone too. The concept of Blue Zones came from a series of demographic and statistical projects led by Gianni Pes and Michel Poulain, but they were made famous worldwide by the research work of journalist Dan Buettner, along with a team from National Geographic and the publication of his book, The Blue Zones.

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