Blue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longest. Protein helps to rebuild and repair tissue, as well as it helps a person to feel full. 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. This provides the nutrition they need to work hard during the day. Getting up in the air on tree canopy tours via ziplines and rope bridges is popular throughout Costa Rica. 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. Dubbed "blue zones," residents of these areas share a common environment and lifestyle that . 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. The Power of Nine is the name Buetnner has given to the characteristics that all Blue Zones seem to share. It is the reason why the founder of Omega Institute set up Blue Spirit in Nosara and a Longevity center. Another option is to take the 75-minute ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya from Puntarenas to Paquera. One thing I found especially interesting is the idea that this long life span is dying out. It was a spontaneous decision to move here, but it was the best decision! O que so Zonas Azuis? Nicoyan water has the countrys highest calcium content, perhaps explaining the lower rates of heart disease, as well as stronger bones and fewer hip fractures. The Nicoyan way of life can enlighten people to make choices that will help to increase their life expectancy. Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). 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. I'm a Chief Metaverse Officer and a web3 luxury and fashion innovator. 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. 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). This is an excerpt fromBlue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longestby Dan Buettner, copyright 2008, all rights reserved. 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. 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 Peninsula is covered by spectacular beaches that host nature's best. Thanks to the peninsula's reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. Also, we would love to hear your thoughts on Blue Zones and what constitutes a long lifestyle. Although the Blue Zone Project isnt all about diet, and its certainly about more than food for the people of Nicoya it is a big difference from the typical American diet (no matter what type of community). 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. American researcher, Dan Buettner, discovered that people in these areas shared several lifestyle characteristics: They don't smoke; They eat a plant-based diet Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! Living Hotel partners with the Spacio spa, a five-minute walk away, which has several treatments geared to surfers. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 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. For those that don't know, there are a few communities around the globe where people live long and healthy lives, up to and past 100, dubbed "blue zones." While we may not increase the average life expectancy throughout the world we can use Nicoya as a template for healthier living. Costa Rica Tourism Board, Institutional Site, Costa Rica Convention Center, Promotional Site, Costa Rica Tourism Board | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map. Barra Honda is on the peninsulas northeast about a half hours drive from the town of Nicoya. 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). Try spending quality times with your loved ones. Tamarindo is also a great place for solo travelers. 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". Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Sardinia, Italy. All of our step by step Costa Rica planning tips in one spot. Wildlife is abundant. 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 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. Drain and pat the onions dry with paper towel. Wellness enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. They have been able to exceed their life expectancy and serve as an example for the entire world. The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. For those who might need some meal ideas, Dan Buettner, wrote the Blue Zones Kitchen cookbook. To my delight, Costa Rica has its own Blue Zone - the Nicoya Peninsula! In the Nicoya Peninsula, the water is particularly rich in calcium and magnesium which studies show is good for cardiovascular health and preventing cancer. There are five areas of the world that meet the qualifications of Blue Zone as defined by Buettner. 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. Of course, there is still a desire for success (especially in the cities) but in general, the priorities are shifted. Check out all of our favorite travel companies. We are always happy to help you out! Where are the world's Blue Zones located? 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. Several of Nicoyas beaches like those in the Ostional National Wildlife Reserve are nesting grounds for Kemps Ridley, green, and leatherback turtles. Gone are the days of making your own food and growing organic produce. It is also one of the world's Blue Zones. One of the world's Blue Zones is in Nicoya, Costa Rica. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2008-2023 Law Dissertation Writing Services. 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. It is not unusual for several generations to gather on a regular basis for lively gatherings. The five blue zones are: Loma Linda, California; Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. Hi, my name is Mike Gillespie & I'm fundraising to help support the Blue Zone communities in Nicoya Costa Rica. We can start making healthier choices today, thus living more enriching lives and encouraging others to adopt similar healthy ways of living. 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. Dan discovered five places where residents have low rates of chronic disease and live longer than anywhere else. One is the plan de vida, or reason to live, which propels a positive outlook among elders and helps keep them active. 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. Nearby are waterfalls at Montezuma, ziplining near the Cabo Blanco Reserve, and kite surfing. 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. That means family ties are the backbone for most peoples existence. And a breakfast rich with antioxidants helps to protect a persons cells from disease. The most popular towns to visit here are Montezuma and Santa Teresa. 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. The most southerly point is Cabo Blanco Reserve and the south coast also has the town of Tambor. Stir in two chopped plum tomatoes, half of a finely chopped onion and one . Blue Zones, those special places on earth where people live longer and healthier lives, first came to prominence in the ground-breaking book by Dan Buettner, Blue Zones. Making the smart choice in traditional Blue Zones is often the only choice available, not really a choice at all. He then went on release a book The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who Have Lived the Longest in 2008. 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. By comparison, a person in the United States can reasonably expect to live to just 77, according to federal census data. The Nicoya Peninsula is on Costa Ricas north Pacific coast. 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. A three-course farm-to-table dinner with a tour of the organic garden is available Mondays and Thursdays. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. So, having extra-hard water may help keep Nicoyans' hearts strong, and longer. Due to the Nicoya Peninsula's location in Central America, the area has an abundance of warm days with tons of sunlight. obesity, or heart disease. Or, get your zen on at La Senda, the wellness center on a 74-acre forested property near Tamarindo. When Dan Buettner introduced the concept of Blue Zones, he formed the Blue Zones Project. The Tortuga Islands are offshore and are a frequent destination for snorkeling trips, even from other parts of the peninsula. 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. First . The Nicoya Peninsula is in many ways isolated from the rest of Costa Rica due to geography. Try opting to walk places instead of driving. 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. 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. 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. 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). "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. So, Nicoya is another blue zone in the world alongside Okinawa (Japan), Cerdea (Italia), Icaria (Greece) and Loma Linda (California). Nicoya, Costa Rica. In the southern part of the peninsula, Santa Teresa is a popular surf area that sprawls for miles along the coast. Dan Buettner is really the man behind Blue Zones, so I suggest you start your interest with him. 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. 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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. 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. So why is it that the people of Nicoya outlive so many others? 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. Technology permeates everyday life and Nicoya is the perfect place to go for a digital detox. Maintaining close ties with family and friends helps reduce stress. 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. At the southern tip of the peninsula is Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. Down on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica's Blue Zone, visitors can book into a yoga retreat, eat freshly caught fish, go surfing and ride horses along the beach. The gateway to the Nicoya Peninsula is the beach town of Tamarindo on the west coast, which is very popular with international travelers. The quality of Nicoyas water might be one of the reasons residents live long enough to become centenarians and almost-centenarians. Having worked with the pioneers in mind-body research and psychoneuroimmunology. Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! Community. We have obtained information from Nicoya, Costa Rica on ways to live longer and be happier. 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. Try cutting out some meat and replacing it with fresh vegetables and fruit. This goes along with the decision to widen the country's tourism offerings and venture into industries with high potential, such as wellness tourism. If you would like to be near things but get a bit more of a feel for traditional Nicoya life while also enjoying a bit of the touristy perks (surfing, fun restaurants etc.) Nicoya isn't full of marathon runners . 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. Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Going down the west coast from Tamarindo youll find several beach towns, most notably yoga center Nosara and surfers paradise Santa Teresa. In an article in the Chicagoan, Marc J. Are you interested in learning more about the Costa Rica Blue Zone and other zones of the world? 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. 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. 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. 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. We do not need to wait for our cities of residence to adopt the principles for healthier living outlined in the Blue Zones Project. 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. This calcium leads to stronger bones and the ability to stay physically active at a later age. They feel needed, and their daily lives revolve around their family and community. Having a Blue Zone helps strengthen the country's constant striving for quality of life, both for Costa Ricans and for tourists. Costa Rica is one of the few tropical countries where its safe to drink tap water even for foreigners and theres no need to buy plastic water bottles. On today's podcast, Gina does some serious myth-busting about what has kept the centenarians so well, for so long. According to researchers, most inhabitants live to at least the age of 90. For most Americans, an entrance ramp for a new lifestyle change is through their mouth, Buettner says. 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. These cantons are: Carillo, Hojancha, Nicoya, Santa Cruz, and Nandoyure. The climate in the Blue Zone is very mild, which may help to protect against diseases. Surprisingly, happiness and keeping a focus on family are two of the main components. 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. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. . I have been exploring the data reported by National Geographic and Dan Buettner in the Blue Zones Solution: . This Central American nation isn't that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. 1 - The Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. 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. 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. Physical activity, diet, good mineral-rich water, friends, a satisfying job, eating light in the evening, and a "plan de vida" are the other aspects. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. If coming from San Jose, the easiest way to get to the Nicoya Peninsula is to take the ferry from Puntarenas. Over the last several months, the world has mourned the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives. 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. He then had the idea to research areas in the world with the longest lifespan. A nine-hole golf course is a mile away. Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). Another is a focus on family and a special ability to listen and laugh. Costa Rica is known for its pura vida lifestyle and attitude. Montezuma is located on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula making it an ideal place to stay when exploring this unique part of Costa Rica. 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. It remains to be seen if the COVID pandemic will affect that average. "The sense of community, shared purpose and celebration and appreciation for life in all its forms allows for a way of thriving that can even be seen today to have a connection to vitality and mitochondrial health." There are plenty of good-for-you activities to keep you busy on the Nicoya Peninsula jump in the water with a surfboard or snorkel, get up high on a zipline, stretch out with a yoga class, or take a hike (call it forest bathing if you wish) in a nature reserve. These areas are: Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Ikaria, Greece. Heres how to plan a trip to the Blue Zone in Costa Rica. My Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Retreat. 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. To understand some of the reasons why Blue-Zoners live healthier, longer lives, let's take another look at Ricardo's daily routine. 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. Its difficult to maintain family bonds and friendships when school and work take us far from home, into strange communities. 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. Also on offer are boat trips to the volcanic Tortuga Islands, where snorkelers might spot angelfish and porcupine fish, and theres a chance of seeing dolphins, manta and spotted eagle rays, and turtles on the way. Would you like to visit the Nicoya Peninsula? Located on the Guanacaste Peninsula in northwestern Costa Rica, Nicoya is a rural, beachside, blue-zone community. Staples of the traditional Nicoya diet include homemade corn tortillas, black beans, white rice, a variety of squash, yams, papaya, bananas, and pejibayes. ", 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. 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. He worked with several notable anthropolgists, dieticians, historians, and geneticists to identify and further understand what contributes to a long lifespan. 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. These Blue Zones have a direct link to the promotion of tourism in the country, since it fits in well wellness tourism. 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. 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. 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. Sign up for theBLUE ZONES free weekly email where webring youexclusive interviews, cutting edge longevity news, and fresh tips for living longer, better. 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 traditional diet in the area is also notable. 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 category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. LIKED THIS? Everywhere you go in Costa Rica, youll hear pura vida! and soon feel the freedom to adopt the pura vida lifestyle yourself. Lunch is the main meal in Costa Rica (its better for your digestion to eat a bigger breakfast and lunch and a lighter dinner). According to researchers, most inhabitants live to at least the age of 90.. 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. Moais are a powerful social tradition that create feelings of belonging, purpose and security. It includes black beans, cooked plantains, fresh papaya, yams, squash, homemade corn tortillas, and fish (if near the coast). In other words, it lives longer than the average global life expectancy. Costa Rica indeed does celebrate its elderly citizens; every person who has a 100 th birthday is .