People from Nicoya enjoy an ample dose of Vitamin D. They spend most of their time outside tending to the land and enjoy a healthy relationship with surrounding nature. The baby turtles hatch 45 to 54 days later and, if theyre lucky, might live another 50 to 80 years. 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. Barrio La California, Hi, my name is Mike Gillespie & I'm fundraising to help support the Blue Zone communities in Nicoya Costa Rica. ", 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. Sardinia, Italy. Go to a soda, thats the name of a small, local caf, and look for casado this popular dish is rice and beans served with vegetables and either fish or meat. 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. According to researchers, most inhabitants live to at least the age of 90. For those who might need some meal ideas, Dan Buettner, wrote the Blue Zones Kitchen cookbook. Check out all of our favorite travel companies. It helps them remain positive. Customer Experience Critical To Consumer Preference: IAAPA CEO Comments On Key Trends, When It Comes To Advertising, Multicultural Representation Is Not Enough. 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. This Blue Zone is in the mountains of the Nicoyan Peninsula in western Costa Rica. Thanks to the peninsula's reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. They are eye-opening and heart-tugging. 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. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Add the red onions, sliced radishes, tomatoes, orange supremes, cilantro and 3 tablespoons oil to the cabbage. It is believed that one factor which may contribute to the high number of Nicoyan centenarians is the high calcium content in the water. Dubbed "blue zones," residents of these areas share a common environment and lifestyle that . Lunch is the main meal in Costa Rica (its better for your digestion to eat a bigger breakfast and lunch and a lighter dinner). Nicoya, Costa Rica: A Puzzling Blue Zone Diet Light on Vegetables and High in Carbohydrate and Sugar. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. The climate in the Blue Zone is very mild, which may help to protect against diseases. 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. Eco-tourism is a natural must in this out-of-this-world scenario, where everything that happens is in a quiet, lovely pace. 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. 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." 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. January 18, 2022 . 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 supplement your diet and make sure youre getting enough of this vital nutrient. Try cutting out some meat and replacing it with fresh vegetables and fruit. So, Nicoya is another blue zone in the world alongside Okinawa (Japan), Cerdea (Italia), Icaria (Greece) and Loma Linda (California). 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. Everywhere you go in Costa Rica, youll hear pura vida! and soon feel the freedom to adopt the pura vida lifestyle yourself. 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. Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! The gateway to the Nicoya Peninsula is the beach town of Tamarindo on the west coast, which is very popular with international travelers. 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. Going down the west coast from Tamarindo youll find several beach towns, most notably yoga center Nosara and surfers paradise Santa Teresa. 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. Dan Buettner is really the man behind Blue Zones, so I suggest you start your interest with him. This calcium leads to stronger bones and the ability to stay physically active at a later age. Its one of our favorite places in Costa Rica and most likely where we would move if we ever moved to the beach. Nearby are waterfalls at Montezuma, ziplining near the Cabo Blanco Reserve, and kite surfing. Perhaps youll also figure out your lifes purpose, which studies show contributes to a longer and higher quality life, and make the effort to reconnect with family whether youve brought them with you or will see them again once youre home. 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. Theyre focused on sick care, and so the actual healthcare is often neglected, says Chaves. These include Nicoya, Costa Rica; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece . I also suggest watching his TED Talk. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. Black beans contain high doses of antioxidants and they are eaten for almost every meal among Nicoyans (and most Costa Ricans). 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. Just note, you might have trouble finding a place to stay. Ed #2798 Oficina #8 Buettner's studies on the Nicoya Peninsula revealed eight key factors that affect people's life expectancy. They feel needed, and their daily lives revolve around their family and community. Most people in this area never move. Fish is a lean protein and provides oils which help with overall brain function. The people of Nicoya value their families a lot, and you can often see them joking with their neighbors, working hard for long hours, and enjoying the sunshine. The expat community in Coco is generally older retirees, however, there are some younger expats running around. "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. 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. Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! Do you have any questions about the Costa Rica Blue Zone? The Nicoya Peninsula is on Costa Ricas north Pacific coast. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Possessing the highest density of biodiversity of any country in the world, it is also labeled as one of the 5 "blue zones", a term coined by National Geographic author Dan Buettner, describing places where a high percentage of the population lives active . The reason why they are called "blue zones" is a curious story 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. Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. 1 - The Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. These geographical areas are considered special, because most people live at least 90 and often over 100 years of age. 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). 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. Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! We can no longer afford to allow the COVID pandemic to cause us to live in or out of a place of fear. I suggest visiting Cabuya (a small town between Montezuma and Santa Teresa) or San Francisco de Coyote (a remote beach town). 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. Nicoya was introduced as a Blue Zone in a 2004 National Geographic article by Dan Buettner. It is not unusual for several generations to gather on a regular basis for lively gatherings. mobile app. Or, get your zen on at La Senda, the wellness center on a 74-acre forested property near Tamarindo. Now is the time for cities like Chicago to learn from the five Blue Zones throughout the world like Nicoya, Costa Rica. Community. Contents1 Is Costa Rica considered [] They have groups of friend with whom they share healthy habits.". Thomas Ramsauer / Shutterstock. It is fascinating to see which factors play into long lifespan including how you can emulate this lifestyle. Win-win! People often consider the impact of global decisions on future generations through legislation. The Adventists are praying. We hope you love the Blue Zone Costa Rica stays we recommend. 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). This provides the nutrition they need to work hard during the day. 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. Centenarians seem to have enjoyed physical work of all their lives. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. Lane reasons why Chicago should use the Blue Zones template to improve the lives of people who live there. One is the plan de vida, or reason to live, which propels a positive outlook among elders and helps keep them active. In one of Buettner's most recent visits to Costa Rica, he defined Blue Zones as "a kind of lifestyle and environment that creates longevity. Also, the environment just exudes joy. Brand Storytelling At Sundance: Championing Excellence And Filmmakers With Purpose, Profitable ECommerce Growth For CPGs Is In Reach. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. Get some sensible sun. Technology permeates everyday life and Nicoya is the perfect place to go for a digital detox. However, Costa Rica's blue zone is so much more. The Nicoya Peninsula has five cantons where middle-age morality is lowest and centenarians are the most abundant. Feel free to leave them in the comment section below. Blessed with sandy beaches and tropical forest, it's something of a backpackers' paradise. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. The Power of Nine is the name Buetnner has given to the characteristics that all Blue Zones seem to share. 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. The quality of Nicoyas water might be one of the reasons residents live long enough to become centenarians and almost-centenarians. 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. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. Buettner approached National Geograhic with his idea and they agreed to help fund his research. 4. I'm a Chief Metaverse Officer and a web3 luxury and fashion innovator. Longevity then would not be a luxury only reserved for a few living in Blue Zones, but a reality for billions.. They feel needed and want to contribute to a greater good. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Are We Headed To A World In Which We Own Nothing? To understand some of the reasons why Blue-Zoners live healthier, longer lives, let's take another look at Ricardo's daily routine. Another option is to take the 75-minute ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya from Puntarenas to Paquera. Their traditional diet of fortified maize and beans may be the best nutritional combination for longevity the world has ever known. It is home to some of the most active, hard-working, and friendliest people on earth. In other words, Nicoyans receive a healthy dose of vitamins in their daily diet. Nicoya. It requires descending 17 yards down a ladder to see cave formations that resemble fried eggs, popcorn, roses, and shark teeth. What are Blue Zones? The forest here is more tropical than further north and is home to deer, pacas, monkeys, armadillos, laughing gulls, pelicans, frigates, and brown boobies. Poor communities are notorious for living in food deserts. Nicoya, also known as the Nicoya Peninsula has not been only recognized as one of the 5 places in the planet with surprisingly high rate of longevity but also as the highest concentration of centenarians in the world. [Try this 5-Minute Tasty Squash and Beans for a taste of Costa Rican homecooking.]. What they generally don't know, however, is that a part of Costa Rica tourists rarely visit (the rural Nicoya Peninsula towns of Nicoya, Santa Cruz and environs) contains the largest. The chance to do yoga in an open-air pavilion on the beach is not to be missed! Changing the American diet and culture around the food we eat can help save lives. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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.