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. It requires descending 17 yards down a ladder to see cave formations that resemble fried eggs, popcorn, roses, and shark teeth. We can no longer afford to allow the COVID pandemic to cause us to live in or out of a place of fear. There will be a lot to learn and a lot to do to get back to a healthier normal. These geographical areas are considered special, because most people live at least 90 and often over 100 years of age. El propsito de la compaa es promover y crear conciencia sobre el consumo de productos de alta calidad, con valor nutricional y . Cities throughout the world can use this template to encourage people to live healthier lives. 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. Sardinia, Italy. 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. 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. 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. Successful centenarians have a strong sense of purpose. I feel lucky to have found this information, though the credit doesn't belong to me, but rather to the older residents. Heres how to plan a trip to the Blue Zone in Costa Rica. 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 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. "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. They eat many fruits and vegetables often grown on their own lands, and they tend not to consume much meat. Butterflies in Costa Rica The Best Places to See Them, Irazu Volcano Visit the Highest Volcano in Costa Rica, 20 Free Things to Do in Costa Rica That Youll Love, Costa Rica Rental Car Discount Save Up to 20%, The feeling of a sense of purpose in life. The forest here is more tropical than further north and is home to deer, pacas, monkeys, armadillos, laughing gulls, pelicans, frigates, and brown boobies. Nicoya has an abundance of accommodation options but these selections should help your Blue Zone focus whether its healthy food, yoga, spa, surfing, and hiking, connecting with family, or getting a sense of purpose by helping protect Nicoyas wildlife and their habitat. 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. 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. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! The five blue zones are: Loma Linda, California; Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. 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. Healthy and supportive relationships with friends and family are another one of their keys to longevity. Barrio La California, 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. 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. American researcher, Dan Buettner, discovered that people in these areas shared several lifestyle characteristics: They don't smoke; They eat a plant-based diet The Nicoyan way of life can enlighten people to make choices that will help to increase their life expectancy. Montezuma: Best Hotels in Costa Rica. LIKED THIS? This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. The beautiful view of the beaches may also have a hand in this. Directions: Toss the cabbage with the orange juice, season with salt and pepper and let sit 30 minutes. Nicoyan centenarians get frequent visits from neighbors. I suggest visiting Cabuya (a small town between Montezuma and Santa Teresa) or San Francisco de Coyote (a remote beach town). The gateway to the Nicoya Peninsula is the beach town of Tamarindo on the west coast, which is very popular with international travelers. 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." Staples of the traditional Nicoya diet include homemade corn tortillas, black beans, white rice, a variety of squash, yams, papaya, bananas, and pejibayes. So why is it that the people of Nicoya outlive so many others? 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. When that day comes, Nicoyas Blue Zone will continue to be an example of the resiliency of the human body and spirit. 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. In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average life span is 85among the world's highest. Theyre focused on sick care, and so the actual healthcare is often neglected, says Chaves. 11 talking about this. Its also easy to eat healthy in Costa Rica, with its abundance of local foods grown in its fertile volcanic soil. 1 - The Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. 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. People often consider the impact of global decisions on future generations through legislation. 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. Compreende os 5 cantos da Pennsula de Nicoya: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz e Nicoya. Guest Writer for Wake Up World. I will be visiting Costa Rica next week to meet with Jorge who founded a local organization that helps the small Blue Zone villages. In an article in the Chicagoan, Marc J. The climate in the Blue Zone is very mild, which may help to protect against diseases. Their traditional diet of fortified maize and beans may be the best nutritional combination for longevity the world has ever known. 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. 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. Nicoya, Costa Rica, is a Central American Caribbean nation that boasts economic security and excellent health care. It is also one of the world's Blue Zones. Ministry of Health data indicate that life expectancy is nearly 80 years, which is the highest in Central America, according to the World Bank. 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 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. Beyond this context, however, the health authorities are taking measures to help Costa Ricans reach over 80 years of age in good health. One is the plan de vida, or reason to live, which propels a positive outlook among elders and helps keep them active. 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. 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 most of their lives, Nicoyan centenarians ate a traditional Mesoamerican diet highlighted with the three sisters of agriculture: squash, corn, and beans. 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. If we can harness that, we can hopefully improve the health of future generations. Those who want to enjoy the pura vida life for more than a week or two often end up here, given Santa Teresas gorgeous beaches, busy nightlife, and excellent wifi. Nicoya, Costa Rica A Latin American Blue Zone. Barra Honda is on the peninsulas northeast about a half hours drive from the town of Nicoya. We're going to focus on the last one, mostly because it hits close to home. 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. 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. A blue zone is a geographical area in which the population is the longest-lived. 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. 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. The expat community in Coco is generally older retirees, however, there are some younger expats running around. 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. 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. Swimming holes dot the peninsula too, including beneath the Montezuma waterfall. Not only do they live longer, their metabolism is better, the levels of cognitive impairment are lower, and they function at a higher level. A nine-hole golf course is a mile away. This Blue Zone is in the mountains of the Nicoyan Peninsula in western Costa Rica. It is the reason why the founder of Omega Institute set up Blue Spirit in Nosara and a Longevity center. "The five cantons of the peninsula continue to appear with greater longevity and we've confirmed this everywhere we've investigated. These include Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece, and you guessed it; Nicoya, Costa Rica. Here are some of the factors that make Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula a blue zone worth visiting. 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. It includes black beans, cooked plantains, fresh papaya, yams, squash, homemade corn tortillas, and fish (if near the coast). Black bean starter To a small pot over medium-low heat, add one can of rinsed black beans. The five known Blue Zones identified in Buettner's book include:. The most popular towns to visit here are Montezuma and Santa Teresa. Buettner approached National Geograhic with his idea and they agreed to help fund his research. Its about 75 miles long and 35 miles wide, with the northern section a part of Guanacaste province and the southern section in Puntarenas province. 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. Along with starting every morning with a healthy breakfast, Nicoyans also eat nutritious food throughout the day. All of our step by step Costa Rica planning tips in one spot. "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. One thing I found especially interesting is the idea that this long life span is dying out. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. 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. 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. 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. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. Read more below about the lessons that Nicoya, Costa Rica can teach you about longevity. Nicoya is famous for being a marvelous playground for surfers all over the world. 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. [Try this 5-Minute Tasty Squash and Beans for a taste of Costa Rican homecooking.]. By encouraging Nicoyans belief community and sense of purpose through work, family, or nature, cities could help their poorest thrive. The Nicoya Peninsula is on Costa Ricas north Pacific coast. That means family ties are the backbone for most peoples existence. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. Dan discovered five places where residents have low rates of chronic disease and live longer than anywhere else. When on vacation in Costa Rica, its also easy to pick up Blue Zone habits like getting regular outdoor exercise and a good nights sleep (though be sure to go to bed early if you want to do your sun salutations at actual sunrise). 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. We do not need to wait for our cities of residence to adopt the principles for healthier living outlined in the Blue Zones Project. This treasure includes the atmosphere around you." 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. You can hike along trails, go horseback riding, kayak through the mangroves, and swim off the beach. Oftentimes, this helps maintain healthy and supportive relationships within their communities, and develop a strong sense of faith and purpose along the way. Brand Storytelling At Sundance: Championing Excellence And Filmmakers With Purpose, Profitable ECommerce Growth For CPGs Is In Reach. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. Just note, you might have trouble finding a place to stay. Many Nicoyans choose to walk from one destination to another instead of driving. Costa Rica Experts 2023. Nearby are waterfalls at Montezuma, ziplining near the Cabo Blanco Reserve, and kite surfing. Costa Rica is known for its pura vida lifestyle and attitude. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Get your fill of fresh fruits like pineapple, mango, papaya, banana, and passionfruit and vegetables and legumes like squash, cassava, plantain, yam, and beans. Tamarindo is also a great place for solo travelers. In the southern part of the peninsula, Santa Teresa is a popular surf area that sprawls for miles along the coast. seen in blue zones. Blessed with sandy beaches and tropical forest, it's something of a backpackers' paradise. First and foremost, the competition to get ahead isnt the same here as it is in some other western countries. Most residents here live to be over the age of 90 and there's a high number of centenarians as well. If coming from San Jose, the easiest way to get to the Nicoya Peninsula is to take the ferry from Puntarenas. It is not unusual for several generations to gather on a regular basis for lively gatherings. The Adventists are praying. This is an excerpt fromBlue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longestby Dan Buettner, copyright 2008, all rights reserved. In parallel, the ICT has drawn attention to the concept of the Blue Zone as part of its wellness tourism strategy as a distinctive feature in promoting the destination, while the Ministry of Culture and Youth has identified the long-lived inhabitants as bearers of a tradition which they can contribute to recovering for future generations. 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. 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. That sense of purpose drives them in all aspects of their lives. They feel needed and want to contribute to a greater good. Costa Rica as a whole is a happy place. 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. They are eye-opening and heart-tugging. Nicoya isn't full of marathon runners . 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 town of Nicoya is considered the oldest in Costa Rica, it is popularly known as "the colonial city". 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. WED LOVE IF YOUD ADD IT ON PINTEREST! BOOK YOUR COSTA RICA RENTAL CAR AND SAVE 10%. 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. They wake up. So, Nicoya is another blue zone in the world alongside Okinawa (Japan), Cerdea (Italia), Icaria (Greece) and Loma Linda (California). Research shows that 30% of longevity comes from genes, and the remaining 70% from lifestyle. Located on the Guanacaste Peninsula in northwestern Costa Rica, Nicoya is a rural, beachside, blue-zone community. The way Nicoyans choose to live their lives gives us a template from which we can learn to improve our health and find our sense of purpose. Every morning, at dawn, before the men of Nicoya ride their horses through the mountains of the Costa Rican peninsula, they eat a healthy breakfast. Drain and pat the onions dry with paper towel. These cantons are: Carillo, Hojancha, Nicoya, Santa Cruz, and Nandoyure. Conzcanos. It's also an area identified as a "Blue Zone . 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. This calcium leads to stronger bones and the ability to stay physically active at a later age. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Eco-tourism is a natural must in this out-of-this-world scenario, where everything that happens is in a quiet, lovely pace. The baby turtles hatch 45 to 54 days later and, if theyre lucky, might live another 50 to 80 years.
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