This information has been translated into lessons that can be implemented into your everyday life. This Blue Zone is in the mountains of the Nicoyan Peninsula in western Costa Rica. Enjoying good health conditions shouldn't depend on economic or technological factors, but rather on protective factors that are evident and proven in the region. El propsito de la compaa es promover y crear conciencia sobre el consumo de productos de alta calidad, con valor nutricional y . The distinguished list included pioneering researchers on this subject: Michel Poulain of Belgium, Dr. Gianni Mario Pes and Paolo Francalacci from Sardinia, Italy, Christina Chrysochoou from Icaria, Greece, Makoto Suzuki from Okinawa, Japan, Gina Siapco from Loma Linda, USA, and Diego Bernardini from Argentina. Dan Buettner is really the man behind Blue Zones, so I suggest you start your interest with him. Lane reasons why Chicago should use the Blue Zones template to improve the lives of people who live there. It was time for me to conquer the Nicoya Peninsula. Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! It remains to be seen if the COVID pandemic will affect that average. Lane cites the impact of COVID-19 on minorities like Blacks and Hispanics throughout Chicago. 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. We have obtained information from Nicoya, Costa Rica on ways to live longer and be happier. Nicoya is famous for being a marvelous playground for surfers all over the world. 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. What Is The Potential Of Generative AI In Healthcare? 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. This goes along with the decision to widen the country's tourism offerings and venture into industries with high potential, such as wellness tourism. 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. ", 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. 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. LIKED THIS? According to Buettner's studies, the Nicoya Peninsula has the world's lowest rates of middle-age mortality and the second highest convergence of male centenarians. What we can incorporate about Nicoya into our culture is the sense of purpose Nicoyans enjoy. The Power of Nine is the name Buetnner has given to the characteristics that all Blue Zones seem to share. The five known Blue Zones identified in Buettner's book include:. 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). Almost 40 percent of the residents of the Nicoya Peninsula (about 5,000 of the population of 132,000) are over the age of 75, more than 900 are over the age of 90, and many are over 100. Directions: Toss the cabbage with the orange juice, season with salt and pepper and let sit 30 minutes. 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. Black bean starter To a small pot over medium-low heat, add one can of rinsed black beans. I also suggest watching his TED Talk. 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. Most residents here live to be over the age of 90 and there's a high number of centenarians as well. While starting the day off with rice and beans may not be an ideal breakfast for most people, the key to a healthy breakfast is one rich with protein, complex carbs, and antioxidants (minus the preservatives). Its also easy to eat healthy in Costa Rica, with its abundance of local foods grown in its fertile volcanic soil. Where are the world's Blue Zones located? Changing the American diet and culture around the food we eat can help save lives. The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. 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. "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. 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. Nicoyans attribute much of their longevity to social values of faith and family. 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. At the southern tip of the peninsula is Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. I feel lucky to have found this information, though the credit doesn't belong to me, but rather to the older residents. Blue Zones Nicoya naci en 2014, una empresa 100% costarricense, que durante los ltimos 6 aos ha sido destacada por la investigacin de alimentos locales de la Zona Azul de Nicoya-Guanacaste. 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. The Nicoya Peninsula is in many ways isolated from the rest of Costa Rica due to geography. So, Nicoya is another blue zone in the world alongside Okinawa (Japan), Cerdea (Italia), Icaria (Greece) and Loma Linda (California). All rights reserved. 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. Many Nicoyans choose to walk from one destination to another instead of driving. Loma Linda, California. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 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). Another is a focus on family and a special ability to listen and laugh. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). You may opt-out by. 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 world has a number of Blue Zones, areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. 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." People who have diabetes, heart conditions, or are overweight tend to have a more difficult time if they are infected by COVID-19. Buettner had spent several years before penning the article leading expeditions including tracing Darwin's route in the Galapagos and Marco Polo's trip along the Silk Road. For the first time ever, the world's most prominent researchers shared their knowledge and most recent research on the topic of Blue Zones. Fish is a lean protein and provides oils which help with overall brain function. There are four similar places on earth: Costa Ricas Nicoya Peninsula, Okinawa in Japan, the Greek island of Ikaria, as well as Loma Linda in California (though that one might just be due to its large population of Seventh-day Adventists and their healthy lifestyle). 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. These Blue Zones have a direct link to the promotion of tourism in the country, since it fits in well wellness tourism. It was a spontaneous decision to move here, but it was the best decision! While Nicoyans start their day by eating a healthy breakfast, their diet is not the only secret to living long lives. 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. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. WED LOVE IF YOUD ADD IT ON PINTEREST! We can start making healthier choices today, thus living more enriching lives and encouraging others to adopt similar healthy ways of living. These characteristics are: Despite this, it is believed that 30% of a long healthy life comes from genes and 70% is based on lifestyle. Nicoyan centenarians frequently visit with neighbors, and they tend to live with families and children or grandchildren who provide support, as well as a sense of purpose. 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 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. 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. 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. Are We Headed To A World In Which We Own Nothing? 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. We do not need to wait for our cities of residence to adopt the principles for healthier living outlined in the Blue Zones Project. One of the world's Blue Zones is in Nicoya, Costa Rica. Montezuma: Best Hotels in Costa Rica. 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. Dinner is typically a light meal, consumed early in the evening which allows plenty of time for digestion before bed. 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). 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. On today's podcast, Gina does some serious myth-busting about what has kept the centenarians so well, for so long. In mid-November 2017, the first World Meeting of Blue Zones was held. Are you interested in learning more about the Costa Rica Blue Zone and other zones of the world? The Nicoya Peninsula, in Costa Rica, is one of them, . This treasure includes the atmosphere around you." Nicoya was introduced as a Blue Zone in a 2004 National Geographic article by Dan Buettner. 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. While we may not increase the average life expectancy throughout the world we can use Nicoya as a template for healthier living. 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. Hi! In the Nicoya Peninsula, the water is particularly rich in calcium and magnesium which studies show is good for cardiovascular health and preventing cancer. Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! If youre eating a standard American diet, its probably shaving about six to 10 years off of your life expectancy, Buettner says. 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. The world has 5 recognized Blue Zones (as determined by the authority of National Geographic ). Try our meal idea that reflects elements of the Nicoyan Peninsula Blue Zoners' diet. 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. Reporter Dan Buettner closed by saying "it is a great honor to see the results of the idea of researching the issue of longevity that emerged fifteen years ago is coming to fruition in the meeting of the major scientific researchers on the subject of Blue Zones." Healthy and supportive relationships with friends and family are another one of their keys to longevity. There are other blue zones in California, Italy, Greece, and Japan. "The five cantons of the peninsula continue to appear with greater longevity and we've confirmed this everywhere we've investigated. 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). 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. Barrio La California, Nicoyan centenarians tend to live with their families, and children or grandchildren provide support and a sense of purpose and belonging. This healthy breakfast gives them the nutrients they need for a day of tending crops and livestock. We are always happy to help you out! That sense of purpose drives them in all aspects of their lives. They find joy in everyday physical chores. This calcium leads to stronger bones and the ability to stay physically active at a later age. Compreende os 5 cantos da Pennsula de Nicoya: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz e Nicoya. 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. 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. They are eye-opening and heart-tugging. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Speaking of work, finding work/life balance is a constant challenge for many. Throughout the world, the average life expectancy is 71 years of age (70 for males and 72 for females). Nicoya, Costa Rica A Latin American Blue Zone. 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. Try opting to walk places instead of driving. 11 talking about this. I will be visiting Costa Rica next week to meet with Jorge who founded a local organization that helps the small Blue Zone villages. BOOK YOUR COSTA RICA RENTAL CAR AND SAVE 10%. Inadequate calcium means weak muscles -- including the heart. 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. In other words, Nicoyans receive a healthy dose of vitamins in their daily diet. Along with starting every morning with a healthy breakfast, Nicoyans also eat nutritious food throughout the day. To understand some of the reasons why Blue-Zoners live healthier, longer lives, let's take another look at Ricardo's daily routine. 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. 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. In the interior, the town of Nicoya is one of Costa Ricas oldest and also has one of the countrys oldest churches the Parroquia San Blas, first built in 1544. In an article in the Chicagoan, Marc J. Community. We can no longer afford to allow the COVID pandemic to cause us to live in or out of a place of fear. Specifically, the rural landscapes of the Nicoya Peninsula, where people have some of the longest lifespans in the world. The most southerly point is Cabo Blanco Reserve and the south coast also has the town of Tambor. 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. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. He cautions though that one of the reasons Nicoyas centenarians live so long is that they dont have high incomes, which means theyve had to do physical labor since they were young, their meals are light and mainly of vegetables and legumes, and they cant afford a lot of protein or processed foods. The Nicoya Peninsula is on Costa Ricas north Pacific coast. Modern Nicoyans roots to the indigenous Chorotega and their traditions have enabled them to remain relatively free of stress. Long-living creatures like sea turtles are frequent visitors to the Blue Zone too. 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. The most amazing part about people who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica is that many of them live without medication or disability. Thomas Ramsauer / Shutterstock. Nicoya, Costa Rica. It is not unusual for many generations to live on one property or in very close proximity to each other. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. March 2nd, 2023. 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. When Dan Buettner introduced the concept of Blue Zones, he formed the Blue Zones Project. 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. Or, get your zen on at La Senda, the wellness center on a 74-acre forested property near Tamarindo. 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. Located on the Guanacaste Peninsula in northwestern Costa Rica, Nicoya is a rural, beachside, blue-zone community. Moais are a powerful social tradition that create feelings of belonging, purpose and security. There are five areas of the world that meet the qualifications of Blue Zone as defined by Buettner. They know how to listen, laugh, and appreciate what they have. 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. 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. 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. Thanks to the peninsula's reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. Barra Honda is on the peninsulas northeast about a half hours drive from the town of Nicoya. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Learn more about typical diet with our Guide to Costa Rican Food. According to researchers, most inhabitants live to at least the age of 90. Lunch is the main meal in Costa Rica (its better for your digestion to eat a bigger breakfast and lunch and a lighter dinner). Your best bet might be finding a VRBO instead of a hotel. It is not unusual for several generations to gather on a regular basis for lively gatherings. Drain and pat the onions dry with paper towel. If we can harness that, we can hopefully improve the health of future generations. Toss gently. They typically do not consume a lot of meat. According to researchers, most inhabitants live to at least the age of 90.. These cookies do not store any personal information. One thing I found especially interesting is the idea that this long life span is dying out. 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. 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 . He then went on release a book The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who Have Lived the Longest in 2008. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function.
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