For the first time ever, the world's most prominent researchers shared their knowledge and most recent research on the topic of Blue Zones. The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. 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. They feel needed and want to contribute to a greater good. 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. 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. It includes black beans, cooked plantains, fresh papaya, yams, squash, homemade corn tortillas, and fish (if near the coast). "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." Where are the world's Blue Zones located? Drain and pat the onions dry with paper towel. Most residents here live to be over the age of 90 and there's a high number of centenarians as well. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Your email address will not be published. If coming from San Jose, the easiest way to get to the Nicoya Peninsula is to take the ferry from Puntarenas. 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. Brand Storytelling At Sundance: Championing Excellence And Filmmakers With Purpose, Profitable ECommerce Growth For CPGs Is In Reach. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. Predominantly catering to families, this 402-room property has four restaurants, including for surf and turf and Japanese, two pools, a nightclub, and a 200-seat amphitheater. 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. Just note, you might have trouble finding a place to stay. 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. January 18, 2022 . Tamarindo is also a great place for solo travelers. 3 International Psychedelic Retreats Poised To Take Wellness Travel Into the Future, The Most Romantic Couples Massages in Las Vegas, The 20 Happiest Countries in the World, 2022, What Its Like To Stay at Hilton Head Health, One of Americas Most Renowned Wellness Resorts, 5 Types of Meditation That Will Relieve Your Travel Stress, long-life characteristics of the Nicoya Peninsula, How To Move To Costa Rica and Live There on the Cheap, These Stunning Cabins Are the Ultimate Zion National Park Basecamps, 8 of the Coolest Airbnbs Near Disney World, Orlando, 8 La Condesa Airbnbs To Settle Into Mexico Citys Coolest Neighborhood, The 11 Absolute Best Beaches in Costa Rica, This Luxury Hotel Has Transformed a Plane Into a Suite in the Costa Rican Jungle, A Guide To Feeling Your Best as a Plus-Size SpaGuest, The Best Airbnbs in Venice, From a Rialto Flat To a San Marco Studio, Download the 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. Healthy and supportive relationships with friends and family are another one of their keys to longevity. Wildlife is abundant. Hi, my name is Mike Gillespie & I'm fundraising to help support the Blue Zone communities in Nicoya Costa Rica. 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. 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. 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). There will be a lot to learn and a lot to do to get back to a healthier normal. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Lunch is the main meal in Costa Rica (its better for your digestion to eat a bigger breakfast and lunch and a lighter dinner). And a breakfast rich with antioxidants helps to protect a persons cells from disease. For more information read our privacy policy. The Nicoya Peninsula is in many ways isolated from the rest of Costa Rica due to geography. 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. The surroundings dictate ways of operating, not personal decisions. 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). I have been exploring the data reported by National Geographic and Dan Buettner in the Blue Zones Solution: . 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. 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. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Contents1 Is Costa Rica considered [] 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. He worked with several notable anthropolgists, dieticians, historians, and geneticists to identify and further understand what contributes to a long lifespan. These factors are present, to some degree, in the other four Blue Zones in the world, according to world experts who participated in the World Meeting in Nicoya in mid-November. 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. Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! This treasure includes the atmosphere around you." Centenarians seem to have enjoyed physical work of all their lives. He then had the idea to research areas in the world with the longest lifespan. 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, both towns have a more touristy vibe to them. 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. Jorge Vindas, Costa Ricas Blue Zone expert, says that its a combination of good genes, healthy food and water, regular low-intensity exercise, few vices, a strong connection to family, putting importance on religion or spirituality, and having a sense of purpose. Check out all of our favorite travel companies. Community. 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. Alternatively, Blue. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. In parallel, and with the purpose of generating public policies, a Framework Cooperation Agreement in order to establish, promote and support the Blue Zone in the Nicoya Peninsula. [Try this 5-Minute Tasty Squash and Beans for a taste of Costa Rican homecooking.]. 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. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, It is home to some of the most active, hard-working, and friendliest people on earth. We have a full guide to the ferry here. The traditional diet in the area is also notable. Dubbed "blue zones," residents of these areas share a common environment and lifestyle that . Sign up for theBLUE ZONES free weekly email where webring youexclusive interviews, cutting edge longevity news, and fresh tips for living longer, better. 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. This Blue Zone is in the mountains of the Nicoyan Peninsula in western Costa Rica. People often consider the impact of global decisions on future generations through legislation. 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. I'm a Chief Metaverse Officer and a web3 luxury and fashion innovator. We're going to focus on the last one, mostly because it hits close to home. Speaking of work, finding work/life balance is a constant challenge for many. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. Another option is to take the 75-minute ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya from Puntarenas to Paquera. The Nicoya Peninsula has several on offer, including near Tamarindo, outside the Cabo Blanco Reserve near Playa Mal Pais, and above the Montezuma waterfall. Actually, it is home. You may opt-out by. To understand some of the reasons why Blue-Zoners live healthier, longer lives, let's take another look at Ricardo's daily routine. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. Research shows that 30% of longevity comes from genes, and the remaining 70% from lifestyle. You can hike along trails, go horseback riding, kayak through the mangroves, and swim off the beach. They wake up. However, altering your diet, increasing the amount of exercise you get in a given day, and embracing relationships with family and friends are good places to start. 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. "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. That sense of purpose drives them in all aspects of their lives. 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. Nicoyans eat a light dinner early in the evening. Compreende os 5 cantos da Pennsula de Nicoya: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz e Nicoya. Moderate alcohol intake, especially wine. 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. Old people often have too little calcium in their bodies. The World Meeting of Blue Zones laid the groundwork, in a spirit of s se puede (yes we can), envisioning a blue Costa Rica, following the example of healthy habits set by more than 900 inhabitants aged 90 or older, and the centenarians of Nicoya Peninsula. Still planning? Nicoya was introduced as a Blue Zone in a 2004 National Geographic article by Dan Buettner. Nicoya isn't full of marathon runners . Is the Nicoya Peninsula good for a Wellness getaway? 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. You can drive to Tamarindo in about 80 minutes from the Liberia airport (its about four hours from Costa Ricas other main airport in the capital, San Jos). Also, we would love to hear your thoughts on Blue Zones and what constitutes a long lifestyle. Living Hotel partners with the Spacio spa, a five-minute walk away, which has several treatments geared to surfers. These places are full of one-hundred-year-olds who have reached such like live wires, not in bed or in hospital. We do not need to wait for our cities of residence to adopt the principles for healthier living outlined in the Blue Zones Project. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. Nicoyans attribute much of their longevity to social values of faith and family. 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). Spirituality and religious involvement/ beliefs. Nicoyans often live more than 100 years and Nicoya boasts of the highest number of centenarians in the world. 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. It's also an area identified as a "Blue Zone . In these areas people have low rates of chronic diseases, so they tend to live longer than in other places. - save 10% Plus other perks . This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 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. Buettner's studies on the Nicoya Peninsula revealed eight key factors that affect people's life expectancy. They typically do not consume a lot of meat. Toss gently. Going down the west coast from Tamarindo youll find several beach towns, most notably yoga center Nosara and surfers paradise Santa Teresa. These regions are considered Blue Zones. BOOK YOUR COSTA RICA RENTAL CAR AND SAVE 10%. Long-living creatures like sea turtles are frequent visitors to the Blue Zone too. I also suggest watching his TED Talk. He has written numerous books on the topic, but I suggest starting with: Blue Zones of Happiness and The Blue Zones Kitchen (a cookbook). WED LOVE IF YOUD ADD IT ON PINTEREST! 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. My Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Retreat. It remains to be seen if the COVID pandemic will affect that average. 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. 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. Modern Nicoyans roots to the indigenous Chorotega and their traditions have enabled them to remain relatively free of stress. Nicoya. One is the plan de vida, or reason to live, which propels a positive outlook among elders and helps keep them active. Thanks to the peninsula's reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. Your best bet might be finding a VRBO instead of a hotel. 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. 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. The baby turtles hatch 45 to 54 days later and, if theyre lucky, might live another 50 to 80 years. 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.