We must make the health of future generations our responsibility by implementing the lifestyles of the Blue Zones people now. All of our step by step Costa Rica planning tips in one spot. The reason why they are called "blue zones" is a curious story My fourth investigation into exactly what our Blue Zone folks eat has left this dietitian, well, intrigued. Nantipa means blue in the language of the Chorotega people, some of the first known people to live in the Nicoya region. Who knows, maybe it will change your life! First and foremost, the competition to get ahead isnt the same here as it is in some other western countries. Win-win! 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. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Living Hotel partners with the Spacio spa, a five-minute walk away, which has several treatments geared to surfers. obesity, or heart disease. What we can incorporate about Nicoya into our culture is the sense of purpose Nicoyans enjoy. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. The most southerly point is Cabo Blanco Reserve and the south coast also has the town of Tambor. In these areas people have low rates of chronic diseases, so they tend to live longer than in other places. The most popular towns to visit here are Montezuma and Santa Teresa. Costa Rica is known for its pura vida lifestyle and attitude. 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. It is not unusual for many generations to live on one property or in very close proximity to each other. Each region has its own diet, types of exercise, and community structure, but each has specific elements in common - all starting with a sense of purpose. 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. 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. 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. It is also one of the world's Blue Zones. American researcher, Dan Buettner, discovered that people in these areas shared several lifestyle characteristics: They don't smoke; They eat a plant-based diet Here are some of the factors that make Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula a blue zone worth visiting. Hi, my name is Mike Gillespie & I'm fundraising to help support the Blue Zone communities in Nicoya Costa Rica. There are five areas of the world that meet the qualifications of Blue Zone as defined by Buettner. These include Nicoya, Costa Rica; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece . Warm, Sunny Climate. 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. What are Blue Zones? 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. Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! - save 10% Plus other perks . Nicoya is a small, rural beach community located on the Guanacaste peninsula on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. Try spending quality times with your loved ones. Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Black beans contain high doses of antioxidants and they are eaten for almost every meal among Nicoyans (and most Costa Ricans). 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. Research shows that 30% of longevity comes from genes, and the remaining 70% from lifestyle. Youre sure to be on the path to a long and healthy life after the four-handed Abundance Treatment, which combines Reiki, Shiatsu, Swedish massage, sound and aromatherapy, and acupressure. This is a BETA experience. Another is a focus on family and a special ability to listen and laugh. 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. Dinner is typically a light meal, consumed early in the evening which allows plenty of time for digestion before bed. 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. After living there for four years I have my own theories as to what makes people so happy, and in turn have a longer life span. 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. He has written numerous books on the topic, but I suggest starting with: Blue Zones of Happiness and The Blue Zones Kitchen (a cookbook). El propsito de la compaa es promover y crear conciencia sobre el consumo de productos de alta calidad, con valor nutricional y . That means family ties are the backbone for most peoples existence. mobile app. On the peninsulas southeast coast is Tambor, with Nicoyas most southerly airport. Directions: Toss the cabbage with the orange juice, season with salt and pepper and let sit 30 minutes. 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. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Along with starting every morning with a healthy breakfast, Nicoyans also eat nutritious food throughout the day. This is an excerpt fromBlue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longestby Dan Buettner, copyright 2008, all rights reserved. It includes black beans, cooked plantains, fresh papaya, yams, squash, homemade corn tortillas, and fish (if near the coast). 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. 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. 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. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. A stay at Nantipa will help you have a true Blue Zone adventure, especially if you book its transcendental wellness experience. 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. Nantipas special wellness booking includes yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic and sound therapies, and sessions with wellness coaches and personal trainers. Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). It is home to some of the most active, hard-working, and friendliest people on earth. Wellness enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. Nicoya is located far off in Northeastern Costa Rica. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. Read more below about the lessons that Nicoya, Costa Rica can teach you about longevity. Add the red onions, sliced radishes, tomatoes, orange supremes, cilantro and 3 tablespoons oil to the cabbage. If you want to really embrace the Nicoya Peninsula blue zone vibe, head to any small village in the area. 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. The five blue zones are: Loma Linda, California; Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. I mean, how can you not be happy when the average daily temperature is 85 degrees fahrenheit, you can easily get to the beach or jungle, and youre surrounded by an abundance of nature and wildlife? We have a full guide to the ferry here. 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. The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. The Peninsula is covered by spectacular beaches that host nature's best. Scarlet macaws are bred in Tambor and youll have a chance of seeing them, even on the beach. We are always happy to help you out! Nicoya, Costa Rica, is a Central American Caribbean nation that boasts economic security and excellent health care. You may opt-out by. All of the international experts agreed that the factors that make healthy longevity possible must be communicated worldwide, in order to reflect on the implications of Blue Zones, unique geographical areas with a high concentration of inhabitants who live to ninety or one hundred years of age, whose aging process is positive, and most importantly, deliberate and active. 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. 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. Fish is a lean protein and provides oils which help with overall brain function. 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. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. Many Nicoyans choose to walk from one destination to another instead of driving. Spirituality and religious involvement/ beliefs. 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. 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. Thanks to the peninsula's reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. Meat, fish, and poultry only make up 5% of the usual diet. The Ikarians and the Ikaria is another one of the Blue Zones, and the Costa Ricans, Nicoya, they're taking a nap. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. 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). Buettner approached National Geograhic with his idea and they agreed to help fund his research. 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. Dan Buettner is really the man behind Blue Zones, so I suggest you start your interest with him. 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. Costa Rica Experts Wins 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers Choice Award, Where to Find Black Sand Beaches in Costa Rica, Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: What to Expect Month by Month, 11 Travel Mistakes To Avoid Before Your Trip, 8 Costa Rica Natural Mysteries You Have to See to Believe, 5 Common Misconceptions About Travel in Costa Rica, 10 Top Costa Rica Honeymoon Bungalows & Suites, 3 Costa Rica Hotels Made The Travel & Leisure Top 100 in the World List, Costa Rica Expert Interview with Aaron Daker: top destinations, new hotels, & best months to travel. Of course, there is still a desire for success (especially in the cities) but in general, the priorities are shifted. 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. 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. So, having extra-hard water may help keep Nicoyans' hearts strong, and longer. 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. This provides the nutrition they need to work hard during the day. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Face-to-Face Conversations. Actually, it is home. Get your fill of fresh fruits like pineapple, mango, papaya, banana, and passionfruit and vegetables and legumes like squash, cassava, plantain, yam, and beans. And a breakfast rich with antioxidants helps to protect a persons cells from disease. For those who might need some meal ideas, Dan Buettner, wrote the Blue Zones Kitchen cookbook. 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). seen in blue zones. Complex carbs provide the energy a person needs to get through the day. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Costa Rica Experts 2023. The Nicoya Peninsula, a Blue Zone in Costa Rica, is renowned for its tranquil, laid-back ambiance. Nicoya. 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. 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. In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average life span is 85among the world's highest. For just over 15 years he has been monitoring and accompanying the long-lived people that . LIKED THIS? It is a template outlining the lifestyles of people who live in places like Nicoya, Costa Rica. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. They have groups of friend with whom they share healthy habits.". 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. They eat many fruits and vegetables often grown on their own lands, and they tend not to consume much meat. We can start making healthier choices today, thus living more enriching lives and encouraging others to adopt similar healthy ways of living. The traditional diet in the area is also notable. Offering barefoot luxury on Playa Langosta this family-owned boutique hotel is a 15-minute walk from downtown Tamarindo. Rhuigi Villaseor Kept His Foot On The Gas. Now is the time for cities like Chicago to learn from the five Blue Zones throughout the world like Nicoya, Costa Rica. He finished, stating emphatically "please keep it and put the new generation on the same line in the treasure of this Blue Zone.". 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.