It includes black beans, cooked plantains, fresh papaya, yams, squash, homemade corn tortillas, and fish (if near the coast). Nearby is the Barra Honda National Park with its caves, the Monte Alto Nature Reserve where a variety of orchids grow, and other natural reserves where you can see wildlife. Here are some of the factors that make Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula a blue zone worth visiting. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. Check out all of our favorite travel companies. The beautiful view of the beaches may also have a hand in this. Everywhere you go in Costa Rica, youll hear pura vida! and soon feel the freedom to adopt the pura vida lifestyle yourself. 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). 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 Tortuga Islands are offshore and are a frequent destination for snorkeling trips, even from other parts of the peninsula. 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. Nicoya. In other words, it lives longer than the average global life expectancy. Check out all of our favorite travel companies. 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. Actually, it is home. Learn more about typical diet with our Guide to Costa Rican Food. Rooms have a mini fridge and theres a communal kitchen plus bikes to rent. 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. Surprisingly, happiness and keeping a focus on family are two of the main components. The world has a number of Blue Zones, areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. Dan discovered five places where residents have low rates of chronic disease and live longer than anywhere else. Nantipas special wellness booking includes yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic and sound therapies, and sessions with wellness coaches and personal trainers. 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. They wake up. Protein helps to rebuild and repair tissue, as well as it helps a person to feel full. Thanks to the peninsulas reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. 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. Is the Nicoya Peninsula good for a Wellness getaway? So why is it that the people of Nicoya outlive so many others? So, what's the secret behind our region's long life? None of these staples are processed, and because all of these foods are locally grown they are not faced with genetically modified or pesticide laden produce. 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. Nicoya was introduced as a Blue Zone in a 2004 National Geographic article by Dan Buettner. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. "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. A three-course farm-to-table dinner with a tour of the organic garden is available Mondays and Thursdays. Also, we would love to hear your thoughts on Blue Zones and what constitutes a long lifestyle. Rare species like pumas, ocelots, and margay cats make their home here too. 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). "This meeting commits us to preserve this Blue Zone, but most importantly, it should have a multiplier effect and serve as an example for the other cantons of the country" said Ana Monge, Commissioner of the Presidential Social Council of the Government of Costa Rica. By comparison, a person in the United States can reasonably expect to live to just 77, according to federal census data. 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. Its one of our favorite places in Costa Rica and most likely where we would move if we ever moved to the beach. 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. Brand Storytelling At Sundance: Championing Excellence And Filmmakers With Purpose, Profitable ECommerce Growth For CPGs Is In Reach. The surroundings dictate ways of operating, not personal decisions. Moderate alcohol intake, especially wine. Would you like to visit the Nicoya Peninsula? However, Costa Rica's blue zone is so much more. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. But we must also consider the impact of our individual health and lifestyle choices on future generations. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. On today's podcast, Gina does some serious myth-busting about what has kept the centenarians so well, for so long. 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. There are common factors that exist in these populations, such as good physical and mental health, a healthy traditional diet, respect for the family, deep faith, constant mobility, and a purpose in life. Do you ever wish you could know the secrets to a long and happy life? 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. You can, thanks to the world's "blue zones." They find joy in everyday physical chores. 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. It is believed that one factor which may contribute to the high number of Nicoyan centenarians is the high calcium content in the water. 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 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. 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. Nicoyan centenarians have been the focus of many articles. 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. Access to natural foods and organic fruits and vegetables (stables of the Nicoyans) is difficult to come by. In a few, unique communities around the globe, people live long and heathy lives, up to and past 100. Along with starting every morning with a healthy breakfast, Nicoyans also eat nutritious food throughout the day. 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. They are eye-opening and heart-tugging. 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. 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. Guest Writer for Wake Up World. 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. Thomas Ramsauer / Shutterstock. Nicoya is located on the Guanacaste peninsula in Costa Rica, and is considered one of the 7 blue zones found worldwide. 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. Alternatively, Blue. Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! 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. So, having extra-hard water may help keep Nicoyans' hearts strong, and longer. Swimming holes dot the peninsula too, including beneath the Montezuma waterfall. When you book through our trusted partners we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Technology permeates everyday life and Nicoya is the perfect place to go for a digital detox. 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. This vigorous village is one of the Blue Zones' unique hotspots. Sardinia, Italy. First and foremost, the competition to get ahead isnt the same here as it is in some other western countries. This provides the nutrition they need to work hard during the day. The Adobe Rent-A-Car discount includes.. DISCOUNTED SMARTPHONE USAGE WITH UNLIMITED DATA. Compreende os 5 cantos da Pennsula de Nicoya: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz e Nicoya. 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. Dan Buettner is really the man behind Blue Zones, so I suggest you start your interest with him. Living Hotel partners with the Spacio spa, a five-minute walk away, which has several treatments geared to surfers. 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The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. 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. Predominantly catering to families, this 402-room property has four restaurants, including for surf and turf and Japanese, two pools, a nightclub, and a 200-seat amphitheater. 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. Poor communities are notorious for living in food deserts. Its difficult to maintain family bonds and friendships when school and work take us far from home, into strange communities. 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. The world has 5 recognized Blue Zones (as determined by the authority of National Geographic ). Blessed with sandy beaches and tropical forest, it's something of a backpackers' paradise. The peak nesting time is from August to November and in the days before a new moon, thousands of turtles congregate in the Pacific waiting for the perfect time to come ashore and dig a hole to lay their eggs. People often consider the impact of global decisions on future generations through legislation. Eating fewer calories appears to be one of the surest ways to add years to your life. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. 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. In other words, people in these zones to live longer than any other areas in the world. 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). All of our step by step Costa Rica planning tips in one spot. What Is The Potential Of Generative AI In Healthcare? Still planning? Try spending quality times with your loved ones. While we may not increase the average life expectancy throughout the world we can use Nicoya as a template for healthier living. 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. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. Barrio La California, Also, the environment just exudes joy. Of course, there is still a desire for success (especially in the cities) but in general, the priorities are shifted. 1 - The Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. That sense of purpose drives them in all aspects of their lives. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. If youre eating a standard American diet, its probably shaving about six to 10 years off of your life expectancy, Buettner says. Throughout Costa Rica, youll find vegetarian gallo pinto (rice and beans) served at breakfast, lunch, and dinner the name means spotted rooster because the black beans dot the rice. Now I was excited to roam off the beaten path into a world-famous Nicoya Peninsula blue zone. In the Nicoya Peninsula, the water is particularly rich in calcium and magnesium which studies show is good for cardiovascular health and preventing cancer. These characteristics are: Despite this, it is believed that 30% of a long healthy life comes from genes and 70% is based on lifestyle. There will be a lot to learn and a lot to do to get back to a healthier normal. One of the five designated blue zones in the world, the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica features residents who live even longer than those in the rest of the country. 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. If you want to really embrace the Nicoya Peninsula blue zone vibe, head to any small village in the area. For the first time ever, the world's most prominent researchers shared their knowledge and most recent research on the topic of Blue Zones. 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. They have been able to exceed their life expectancy and serve as an example for the entire world. Modern Nicoyans roots to the indigenous Chorotega and their traditions have enabled them to remain relatively free of stress. It consists of 100 recipes with ingredients used by those who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica and the other four Blue Zones. 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!) Black beans contain high doses of antioxidants and they are eaten for almost every meal among Nicoyans (and most Costa Ricans). However, both towns have a more touristy vibe to them. 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. BOOK YOUR COSTA RICA RENTAL CAR AND SAVE 10%. This calcium leads to stronger bones and the ability to stay physically active at a later age. 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. Getting up in the air on tree canopy tours via ziplines and rope bridges is popular throughout Costa Rica. 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. Old people often have too little calcium in their bodies. These include Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece, and you guessed it; Nicoya, Costa Rica. It helps them remain positive. 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 . Dubbed "blue zones," residents of these areas share a common environment and lifestyle that . The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. One is the plan de vida, or reason to live, which propels a positive outlook among elders and helps keep them active. 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. 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. Each region has its own diet, types of exercise, and community structure, but each has specific elements in common - all starting with a sense of purpose. . All rights reserved. It is a template outlining the lifestyles of people who live in places like Nicoya, Costa Rica. 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. Despite that, the area has many of the same ideals that the rest of Costa Ricans have. Nicoya, Costa Rica: A Puzzling Blue Zone Diet Light on Vegetables and High in Carbohydrate and Sugar. Meaning, family ties are strong. 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. 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. Costa Rica is known for its pura vida lifestyle and attitude. It remains to be seen if the COVID pandemic will affect that average. 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. The climate in the Blue Zone is very mild, which may help to protect against diseases. 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. In these areas people have low rates of chronic diseases, so they tend to live longer than in other places. Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! For more information read our privacy policy. This information has been translated into lessons that can be implemented into your everyday life. Most people in this area never move. Nicoya isn't full of marathon runners . 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. That means family ties are the backbone for most peoples existence. Soltara Healing Center is located on the calm and pristine Gulf of Nicoya in the mountainous jungle of Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. 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. January 18, 2022 . We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. Having worked with the pioneers in mind-body research and psychoneuroimmunology. Its very interesting, and I mean, who doesnt love a good TED Talk? It is home to some of the most active, hard-working, and friendliest people on earth. The traditional diet in the area is also notable. The term first emerged in 2005 in a Nation Geographic magazine cover, "The Secrets of a Long Life.". 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. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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.

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