Thomas Ramsauer / Shutterstock. Along with starting every morning with a healthy breakfast, Nicoyans also eat nutritious food throughout the day. 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. Most people in this area never move. Gone are the days of making your own food and growing organic produce. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. These areas are: Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Ikaria, Greece. They eat many fruits and vegetables often grown on their own lands, and they tend not to consume much meat. Do you ever wish you could know the secrets to a long and happy life? 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. 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. 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. The term first emerged in 2005 in a Nation Geographic magazine cover, "The Secrets of a Long Life.". 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. 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. It helps them remain positive. By encouraging Nicoyans belief community and sense of purpose through work, family, or nature, cities could help their poorest thrive. They are eye-opening and heart-tugging. I will be visiting Costa Rica next week to meet with Jorge who founded a local organization that helps the small Blue Zone villages. 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. Longevity then would not be a luxury only reserved for a few living in Blue Zones, but a reality for billions.. Because of this, they enjoy extremely low rates of heart disease. It is also one of the world's Blue Zones. Customer Experience Critical To Consumer Preference: IAAPA CEO Comments On Key Trends, When It Comes To Advertising, Multicultural Representation Is Not Enough. The secret of Nicoya's Blue Zone | Visit Costa Rica | Costa Rica The gateway to the Nicoya Peninsula is the beach town of Tamarindo on the west coast, which is very popular with international travelers. "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. The reason why they are called "blue zones" is a curious story You can, thanks to the world's "blue zones." 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). Costa Rica's Blue Zone - Live to 100 Years - Costa Rica Vibes The Nicoya Peninsula is on Costa Ricas north Pacific coast. Toss gently. We can start making healthier choices today, thus living more enriching lives and encouraging others to adopt similar healthy ways of living. There are five areas of the world that meet the qualifications of Blue Zone as defined by Buettner. Read more below about the lessons that Nicoya, Costa Rica can teach you about longevity. 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. "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." Feel free to leave them in the comment section below. The Blue Zones - Wonderlust 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. Are We Headed To A World In Which We Own Nothing? Nicoya, Costa Rica, is a Central American Caribbean nation that boasts economic security and excellent health care. In the interior, the town of Nicoya is one of Costa Ricas oldest and also has one of the countrys oldest churches the Parroquia San Blas, first built in 1544. They wake up. At the southern tip of the peninsula is Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. Meat, fish, and poultry only make up 5% of the usual diet. This Blue Zone is in the mountains of the Nicoyan Peninsula in western Costa Rica. 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. Your best bet might be finding a VRBO instead of a hotel. What are Blue Zones? People who have diabetes, heart conditions, or are overweight tend to have a more difficult time if they are infected by COVID-19. Nicoyan centenarians get frequent visits from neighbors. There are other blue zones in California, Italy, Greece, and Japan. The Tortuga Islands are offshore and are a frequent destination for snorkeling trips, even from other parts of the peninsula. 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Modern Nicoyans roots to the indigenous Chorotega and their traditions have enabled them to remain relatively free of stress. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. For most of their lives, Nicoyan centenarians ate a traditional Mesoamerican diet highlighted with the three sisters of agriculture: squash, corn, and beans. Blue Zones: Diet, Lifestyle & Tips on How to Live Longer The occasion was also used to release the most recent study on longevity by the Institute of Social Studies in Population (Instituto de Estudios Sociales en Poblacin, IDESPO) at the National University of Costa Rica. For the first time ever, the world's most prominent researchers shared their knowledge and most recent research on the topic of Blue Zones. In other words, it lives longer than the average global life expectancy. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. In the future, when we do emerge from the current pandemic, many cities and companies will revisit well-being as a main topic for their citizens and employees. However, Costa Rica's blue zone is so much more. 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. That sense of purpose drives them in all aspects of their lives. People often consider the impact of global decisions on future generations through legislation. O segreto da Zona Azul de Nicoya. When you book through our trusted partners we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. Plantains are high in potassium, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. The waters around the Nicoya Peninsula are also home to several species of fish including tuna and red snapper. obesity, or heart disease. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. We have a full guide to the ferry here. The Nicoyan way of life can enlighten people to make choices that will help to increase their life expectancy. One of the world's Blue Zones is in Nicoya, Costa Rica. These cantons are: Carillo, Hojancha, Nicoya, Santa Cruz, and Nandoyure. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Try cutting out some meat and replacing it with fresh vegetables and fruit. Costa Rica Experts 2023. We have obtained information from Nicoya, Costa Rica on ways to live longer and be happier. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. This is why the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT, Instituto Costarricense de Turismo) launched the Wellness Pura Vida country strategy, which seeks to position Costa Rica as a wellness destination with a difference, which offers unique, transforming experiences. Add the red onions, sliced radishes, tomatoes, orange supremes, cilantro and 3 tablespoons oil to the cabbage. According to researchers, most inhabitants live to at least the age of 90. Are you interested in learning more about the Costa Rica Blue Zone and other zones of the world? Living Past 100: The Okinawan Diet and Blue Zone Centenarians - save 10% Plus other perks . I feel lucky to have found this information, though the credit doesn't belong to me, but rather to the older residents. They feel needed and want to contribute to a greater good. 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. O que so Zonas Azuis? Wellness enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. 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. My Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Retreat. The most popular towns to visit here are Montezuma and Santa Teresa. 11 talking about this. Fish is a lean protein and provides oils which help with overall brain function. LIKED THIS? Theyre focused on sick care, and so the actual healthcare is often neglected, says Chaves. The Peninsula is covered by spectacular beaches that host nature's best. Cities throughout the world can use this template to encourage people to live healthier lives. These include Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece, and you guessed it; Nicoya, Costa Rica. Market Brief: Nosara, Costa Rica Stomp Capital It remains to be seen if the COVID pandemic will affect that average. 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. 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. 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. All rights reserved. Nantipas special wellness booking includes yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic and sound therapies, and sessions with wellness coaches and personal trainers. These Blue Zones have a direct link to the promotion of tourism in the country, since it fits in well wellness tourism. My Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Retreat | Costa Rica Experts San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. Costa Rica: Land of the Centenarians Check out all of our favorite travel companies. Who knows, maybe it will change your life! Take a trip to one of these Blue Zones to learn the secret of living Nicoya, Costa Rica - Blue Zones Living Hotel partners with the Spacio spa, a five-minute walk away, which has several treatments geared to surfers. 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." 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. Nicoyan centenarians tend to live with their families, and children or grandchildren provide support and a sense of purpose and belonging. 15 Reasons Expats Love Living In The Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica Nicoya, Costa Rica A Latin American Blue Zone. First . Nicoya, Costa Rica. It is fascinating to see which factors play into long lifespan including how you can emulate this lifestyle. 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.