For the first time ever, the world's most prominent researchers shared their knowledge and most recent research on the topic of Blue Zones. Thomas Ramsauer / Shutterstock. Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula joins Sardinia, Italy, Okinawa, Japan, Lima Linda, California, and Icaria, Greece as one of the world's five blue zones. All rights reserved. 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. 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. Most people in this area never move. 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. He has written numerous books on the topic, but I suggest starting with: Blue Zones of Happiness and The Blue Zones Kitchen (a cookbook). 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. The Nicoya Peninsula is on Costa Ricas north Pacific coast. 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!) 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. Loma Linda, California. The Tortuga Islands are offshore and are a frequent destination for snorkeling trips, even from other parts of the peninsula. Located in northwestern Costa Rica, near the border with Nicaragua, Playas del Coco which is more commonly called Cocois a beach town, popular with both expats and Costa Ricans. It is the reason why the founder of Omega Institute set up Blue Spirit in Nosara and a Longevity center. This treasure includes the atmosphere around you." This information has been translated into lessons that can be implemented into your everyday life. Feel free to leave them in the comment section below. Read more below about the lessons that Nicoya, Costa Rica can teach you about longevity. The five known Blue Zones identified in Buettner's book include:. Surprisingly, happiness and keeping a focus on family are two of the main components. Another option is to take the 75-minute ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya from Puntarenas to Paquera. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. Are We Headed To A World In Which We Own Nothing? 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. These include Nicoya, Costa Rica; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece . American researcher, Dan Buettner, discovered that people in these areas shared several lifestyle characteristics: They don't smoke; They eat a plant-based diet 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. Buettner's studies on the Nicoya Peninsula revealed eight key factors that affect people's life expectancy. It requires descending 17 yards down a ladder to see cave formations that resemble fried eggs, popcorn, roses, and shark teeth. Black bean starter To a small pot over medium-low heat, add one can of rinsed black beans. Drain and pat the onions dry with paper towel. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. 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. Or, get your zen on at La Senda, the wellness center on a 74-acre forested property near Tamarindo. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. For just over 15 years he has been monitoring and accompanying the long-lived people that . "Year after year, our surveys indicate that its the Costa Ricans themselves that set our destination apart, and it's certainly always a marvelous experience to spend time with the older generation. I feel lucky to have found this information, though the credit doesn't belong to me, but rather to the older residents. "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. Now I was excited to roam off the beaten path into a world-famous Nicoya Peninsula blue zone. Eco-tourism is a natural must in this out-of-this-world scenario, where everything that happens is in a quiet, lovely pace. ", 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. The peninsula is one of the worlds five Blue Zones where many people live exceptionally long and healthy lives. 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. 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. The Nicoya Peninsula has several on offer, including near Tamarindo, outside the Cabo Blanco Reserve near Playa Mal Pais, and above the Montezuma waterfall. mobile app. 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. Nicoya, Costa Rica A Latin American Blue Zone. Nicoya is a small, rural beach community located on the Guanacaste peninsula on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. 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. 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. They are eye-opening and heart-tugging. Centenarians seem to have enjoyed physical work of all their lives. These include Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece, and you guessed it; Nicoya, Costa Rica. Customer Experience Critical To Consumer Preference: IAAPA CEO Comments On Key Trends, When It Comes To Advertising, Multicultural Representation Is Not Enough. Hi! 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. On today's podcast, Gina does some serious myth-busting about what has kept the centenarians so well, for so long. Nearby are waterfalls at Montezuma, ziplining near the Cabo Blanco Reserve, and kite surfing. BOOK YOUR COSTA RICA RENTAL CAR AND SAVE 10%. Out of these cookies, 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. By TCRN STAFF October 5, 2022 528 0 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. One of the world's Blue Zones is in Nicoya, Costa Rica. Is the Nicoya Peninsula good for a Wellness getaway? In a few, unique communities around the globe, people live long and heathy lives, up to and past 100. Rare species like pumas, ocelots, and margay cats make their home here too. 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. First and foremost, the competition to get ahead isnt the same here as it is in some other western countries. Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). Nicoya is located on the Guanacaste peninsula in Costa Rica, and is considered one of the 7 blue zones found worldwide. People who have diabetes, heart conditions, or are overweight tend to have a more difficult time if they are infected by COVID-19. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. For those who might need some meal ideas, Dan Buettner, wrote the Blue Zones Kitchen cookbook. Over the last several months, the world has mourned the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives. Face-to-Face Conversations. Having a Blue Zone helps strengthen the country's constant striving for quality of life, both for Costa Ricans and for tourists. Dubbed "blue zones," residents of these areas share a common environment and lifestyle that . Staples of the traditional Nicoya diet include homemade corn tortillas, black beans, white rice, a variety of squash, yams, papaya, bananas, and pejibayes. Making the smart choice in traditional Blue Zones is often the only choice available, not really a choice at all. All Rights Reserved. Learn more about typical diet with our Guide to Costa Rican Food. Nicoyans eat a light dinner early in the evening. The sustainable and equitable promotion of the long-living population of seniors and the establishment of a cultural agenda aimed at strengthening sustainable, rural, community tourism stood out among the commitments made. This healthy breakfast gives them the nutrients they need for a day of tending crops and livestock. It remains to be seen if the COVID pandemic will affect that average. 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. We're going to focus on the last one, mostly because it hits close to home. He then had the idea to research areas in the world with the longest lifespan. These cookies do not store any personal information. Maintaining close ties with family and friends helps reduce stress. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Many of us in Western countries know we need to eat less junk and add more natural food to our diets. Try opting to walk places instead of driving. You can hike along trails, go horseback riding, kayak through the mangroves, and swim off the beach. Soltara Healing Center is located on the calm and pristine Gulf of Nicoya in the mountainous jungle of Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula. It is also one of the world's Blue Zones. We are always happy to help you out! 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). 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. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Sign up for theBLUE ZONES free weekly email where webring youexclusive interviews, cutting edge longevity news, and fresh tips for living longer, better. The town of Nicoya is considered the oldest in Costa Rica, it is popularly known as "the colonial city". Modern Nicoyans roots to the indigenous Chorotega and their traditions have enabled them to remain relatively free of stress. 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). This Central American nation isn't that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. Its difficult to maintain family bonds and friendships when school and work take us far from home, into strange communities. 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. 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. O segreto da Zona Azul de Nicoya. Check out all of our favorite travel companies. It consists of 100 recipes with ingredients used by those who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica and the other four Blue Zones. Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. He finished, stating emphatically "please keep it and put the new generation on the same line in the treasure of this Blue Zone.". 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. Try our meal idea that reflects elements of the Nicoyan Peninsula Blue Zoners' diet. In an article in the Chicagoan, Marc J. Nicoyans attribute much of their longevity to social values of faith and family. 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. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, I also suggest watching his TED Talk. Get some sensible sun. 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. Its also easy to eat healthy in Costa Rica, with its abundance of local foods grown in its fertile volcanic soil. Costa Rica indeed does celebrate its elderly citizens; every person who has a 100 th birthday is . Where are the world's Blue Zones located? 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. 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. By comparison, a person in the United States can reasonably expect to live to just 77, according to federal census data. The climate in the Blue Zone is very mild, which may help to protect against diseases. 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. It was time for me to conquer the Nicoya Peninsula. The most amazing part about people who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica is that many of them live without medication or disability. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. 1 - The Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. So, having extra-hard water may help keep Nicoyans' hearts strong, and longer. My Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Retreat. Its very interesting, and I mean, who doesnt love a good TED Talk? 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. 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. 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. Win-win! 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. 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. A "Blue Zone" is an area of the world where it is typical for people to live past 100 years old. Access to natural foods and organic fruits and vegetables (stables of the Nicoyans) is difficult to come by. 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. They eat many fruits and vegetables often grown on their own lands, and they tend not to consume much meat. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. 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. 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. 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. It is fascinating to see which factors play into long lifespan including how you can emulate this lifestyle. They have groups of friend with whom they share healthy habits.". 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. Blue zones are regions where some of the oldest and healthiest people live. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! "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." One thing I found especially interesting is the idea that this long life span is dying out. The Power of Nine is the name Buetnner has given to the characteristics that all Blue Zones seem to share. 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. Required fields are marked *, car rental deal! 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. In other words, it lives longer than the average global life expectancy. Dan discovered five places where residents have low rates of chronic disease and live longer than anywhere else. A hike from the town of Montezuma will bring you past several cooling-off pools on your way to the three cascades of this waterfall, perhaps the most visited one on the peninsula. Are you interested in learning more about the Costa Rica Blue Zone and other zones of the world? Thanks to the peninsulas reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. 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. 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. A nine-hole golf course is a mile away. There are five areas of the world that meet the qualifications of Blue Zone as defined by Buettner. Do you have any questions about the Costa Rica Blue Zone? Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere 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). These areas are: Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Ikaria, Greece. They know how to listen, laugh, and appreciate what they have. 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. Pura vida means pure or simple life and Costa Ricas Nicoya Peninsula has what you could call extreme pura vida. Would you like to visit the Nicoya Peninsula? This Blue Zone is in the mountains of the Nicoyan Peninsula in western Costa Rica. Not long after, he began to lead trips to the first Blue Zones that he had discovered. Look for howler and capuchin monkeys, parrots and parakeets, and bigger birds like herons and hawks. Some sea turtles have even lived to age 150. Offering barefoot luxury on Playa Langosta this family-owned boutique hotel is a 15-minute walk from downtown Tamarindo. Having worked with the pioneers in mind-body research and psychoneuroimmunology. Here are some of the factors that make Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula a blue zone worth visiting. 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 world has a number of 'Blue Zones', areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. What are Blue Zones? January 18, 2022 . Add the red onions, sliced radishes, tomatoes, orange supremes, cilantro and 3 tablespoons oil to the cabbage. 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. Its one of our favorite places in Costa Rica and most likely where we would move if we ever moved to the beach. 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. For Priscila Chaves, a Costa Rican social tech-entrepreneur and ethics thought leader, the question that still stands is, how can we translate these apparent otherworldly effects, to the rest of us? Most residents here live to be over the age of 90 and there's a high number of centenarians as well. The forest here is more tropical than further north and is home to deer, pacas, monkeys, armadillos, laughing gulls, pelicans, frigates, and brown boobies. The expat community in Coco is generally older retirees, however, there are some younger expats running around. 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. The Ikarians and the Ikaria is another one of the Blue Zones, and the Costa Ricans, Nicoya, they're taking a nap. 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 . Try spending quality times with your loved ones. Get your fill of fresh fruits like pineapple, mango, papaya, banana, and passionfruit and vegetables and legumes like squash, cassava, plantain, yam, and beans. When you book through our trusted partners we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. One is the plan de vida, or reason to live, which propels a positive outlook among elders and helps keep them active. That sense of purpose drives them in all aspects of their lives. We can no longer afford to allow the COVID pandemic to cause us to live in or out of a place of fear. 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 Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Getting up in the air on tree canopy tours via ziplines and rope bridges is popular throughout Costa Rica. 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. 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). 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. In the Nicoya Peninsula, the water is particularly rich in calcium and magnesium which studies show is good for cardiovascular health and preventing cancer. 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. This vigorous village is one of the Blue Zones' unique hotspots. The traditional diet in the area is also notable. Barra Honda is on the peninsulas northeast about a half hours drive from the town of Nicoya. 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. Dinner is typically a light meal, consumed early in the evening which allows plenty of time for digestion before bed.