In an article in the Chicagoan, Marc J. First and foremost, the competition to get ahead isnt the same here as it is in some other western countries. Heres how to plan a trip to the Blue Zone in Costa Rica. 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. On today's podcast, Gina does some serious myth-busting about what has kept the centenarians so well, for so long. There are four similar places on earth: Costa Ricas Nicoya Peninsula, Okinawa in Japan, the Greek island of Ikaria, as well as Loma Linda in California (though that one might just be due to its large population of Seventh-day Adventists and their healthy lifestyle). We hope you love the Blue Zone Costa Rica stays we recommend. It is fascinating to see which factors play into long lifespan including how you can emulate this lifestyle. The gateway to the Nicoya Peninsula is the beach town of Tamarindo on the west coast, which is very popular with international travelers. Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! El propsito de la compaa es promover y crear conciencia sobre el consumo de productos de alta calidad, con valor nutricional y . 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 Community. They wake up. Throughout the world, the average life expectancy is 71 years of age (70 for males and 72 for females). In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average life span is 85among the world's highest. Look for howler and capuchin monkeys, parrots and parakeets, and bigger birds like herons and hawks. Not long after, he began to lead trips to the first Blue Zones that he had discovered. I feel lucky to have found this information, though the credit doesn't belong to me, but rather to the older residents. 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. 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. It is home to some of the most active, hard-working, and friendliest people on earth. Its very interesting, and I mean, who doesnt love a good TED Talk? 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 Nicoya Peninsula is in many ways isolated from the rest of Costa Rica due to geography. 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). Check out all of our favorite travel companies. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. 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). First . Swimming holes dot the peninsula too, including beneath the Montezuma waterfall. However, both towns have a more touristy vibe to them. Scarlet macaws are bred in Tambor and youll have a chance of seeing them, even on the beach. Are you interested in learning more about the Costa Rica Blue Zone and other zones of the world? Dubbed "blue zones," residents of these areas share a common environment and lifestyle that . The town of Nicoya is considered the oldest in Costa Rica, it is popularly known as "the colonial city". Rooms have a mini fridge and theres a communal kitchen plus bikes to rent. Nicoyan centenarians have been the focus of many articles. While Nicoyans start their day by eating a healthy breakfast, their diet is not the only secret to living long lives. Getting up in the air on tree canopy tours via ziplines and rope bridges is popular throughout Costa Rica. Due to the Nicoya Peninsula's location in Central America, the area has an abundance of warm days with tons of sunlight. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. I'm a Chief Metaverse Officer and a web3 luxury and fashion innovator. These cantons are: Carillo, Hojancha, Nicoya, Santa Cruz, and Nandoyure. This information is complemented by studies carried out by Costa Rican demographer Dr. Luis Rosero Bixby, which show that the mortality of inhabitants of the Nicoya Peninsula aged 90 is 10% lower than for Costa Ricans of the same age elsewhere in the country. Read more below about the lessons that Nicoya, Costa Rica can teach you about longevity. Get your fill of fresh fruits like pineapple, mango, papaya, banana, and passionfruit and vegetables and legumes like squash, cassava, plantain, yam, and beans. Or, get your zen on at La Senda, the wellness center on a 74-acre forested property near Tamarindo. 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. By Ty and Charlene Bollinger. Along with starting every morning with a healthy breakfast, Nicoyans also eat nutritious food throughout the day. The world has a number of Blue Zones, areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. Nantipas special wellness booking includes yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic and sound therapies, and sessions with wellness coaches and personal trainers. Costa Rica holds one of the original 5 blue zones of the world and you will find yourself in one of them if you decide on living in the Nicoya Peninsula. Lane reasons why Chicago should use the Blue Zones template to improve the lives of people who live there. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. We must make the health of future generations our responsibility by implementing the lifestyles of the Blue Zones people now. This goes along with the decision to widen the country's tourism offerings and venture into industries with high potential, such as wellness tourism. 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. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! 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. [Try this 5-Minute Tasty Squash and Beans for a taste of Costa Rican homecooking.]. The reason why they are called "blue zones" is a curious story Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! When that day comes, Nicoyas Blue Zone will continue to be an example of the resiliency of the human body and spirit. 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." If we can harness that, we can hopefully improve the health of future generations. 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. To my delight, Costa Rica has its own Blue Zone - the Nicoya Peninsula! 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. Soltara Healing Center is located on the calm and pristine Gulf of Nicoya in the mountainous jungle of Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula. Over the last several months, the world has mourned the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives. 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. We are always happy to help you out! This Central American nation isnt that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. 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. 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. 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. In terms of a definition, these zones are geographical areas with a high concentration of long-lived populations, who frequently reach ninety or one hundred years of age. We're going to focus on the last one, mostly because it hits close to home. What are Blue Zones? 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this 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. So, Nicoya is another blue zone in the world alongside Okinawa (Japan), Cerdea (Italia), Icaria (Greece) and Loma Linda (California). The Nicoya Peninsula, a Blue Zone in Costa Rica, is renowned for its tranquil, laid-back ambiance. Rare species like pumas, ocelots, and margay cats make their home here too. Thanks to the peninsula's reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. 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. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. The Power of Nine is the name Buetnner has given to the characteristics that all Blue Zones seem to share. Costa Rica as a whole is a happy place. A blue zone is a geographical area in which the population is the longest-lived. Try cutting out some meat and replacing it with fresh vegetables and fruit. They also practice good physical and mental health. Also, we would love to hear your thoughts on Blue Zones and what constitutes a long lifestyle. 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. Also, the environment just exudes joy. In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average lifespan is 85 among the world's highest. Hi, my name is Mike Gillespie & I'm fundraising to help support the Blue Zone communities in Nicoya Costa Rica. 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. Nicoya, also known as the Nicoya Peninsula has not been only recognized as one of the 5 places in the planet with surprisingly high rate of longevity but also as the highest concentration of centenarians in the world. It includes black beans, cooked plantains, fresh papaya, yams, squash, homemade corn tortillas, and fish (if near the coast). According to the most recent data from the Ministry of Health, this region will be painted blue for many years to come, as over 900 people over 90 have been recorded, along with over 5,000 inhabitants over 75, the majority of whom enjoy good health in their old age. Come to Nicoya, Costa Rica, One of the World's Five 'Blue Zones' The Nicoya Peninsula has a high concentration of people over 100 years old and a low incidence of health problems like cancer or heart disease. When Dan Buettner introduced the concept of Blue Zones, he formed the Blue Zones Project. They eat many fruits and vegetables often grown on their own lands, and they tend not to consume much meat. It was time for me to conquer the Nicoya Peninsula. Tamarindo is the most popular destination for international visitors with its golden beaches, many with consistent and gentle surfing waves, and nearby national parks and wildlife refuges. A nine-hole golf course is a mile away. 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). Warm, Sunny Climate. 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. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. This information has been translated into lessons that can be implemented into your everyday life. Technology permeates everyday life and Nicoya is the perfect place to go for a digital detox. 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. While we may not increase the average life expectancy throughout the world we can use Nicoya as a template for healthier living. It helps them remain positive. This calcium leads to stronger bones and the ability to stay physically active at a later age. The surroundings dictate ways of operating, not personal decisions. Nicoya is a small, rural beach community located on the Guanacaste peninsula on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. 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. The Adventists are praying. Fish is a lean protein and provides oils which help with overall brain function. 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. Nicoyans attribute much of their longevity to social values of faith and family. He worked with several notable anthropolgists, dieticians, historians, and geneticists to identify and further understand what contributes to a long lifespan. Sardinia, Italy. We do not need to wait for our cities of residence to adopt the principles for healthier living outlined in the Blue Zones Project. 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. In other words, Nicoyans receive a healthy dose of vitamins in their daily diet. 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!) The Peninsula is covered by spectacular beaches that host nature's best. Thomas Ramsauer / Shutterstock. Get some sensible sun. Nicoyan centenarians tend to live with their families, and children or grandchildren provide support and a sense of purpose and belonging. One Nicoyan, a centenarian, said he knew death would eventually come for him but it is the love for his children that motivates him to keep going every day. What are Blue Zones? What we can incorporate about Nicoya into our culture is the sense of purpose Nicoyans enjoy. Lane cites the impact of COVID-19 on minorities like Blacks and Hispanics throughout Chicago. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2008-2023 Law Dissertation Writing Services. Costa Rica Tourism Board, Institutional Site, Costa Rica Convention Center, Promotional Site, Costa Rica Tourism Board | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map. There will be a lot to learn and a lot to do to get back to a healthier normal. Blue Zones Nicoya desarrolla alimentos, bebidas y suplementos inspirados en los centenarios de la. 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. 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. These cookies do not store any personal information. 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. 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. This is an excerpt fromBlue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longestby Dan Buettner, copyright 2008, all rights reserved. We can no longer afford to allow the COVID pandemic to cause us to live in or out of a place of fear. 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. Located on the Guanacaste Peninsula in northwestern Costa Rica, Nicoya is a rural, beachside, blue-zone community. 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. Nicoya, Costa Rica A Latin American Blue Zone. 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. The Nicoya Peninsula has five cantons where middle-age morality is lowest and centenarians are the most abundant. Many Nicoyans choose to walk from one destination to another instead of driving. Nicoyan centenarians frequently visit with neighbors, and they tend to live with families and children or grandchildren who provide support, as well as a sense of purpose. This Blue Zone is in the mountains of the Nicoyan Peninsula in western Costa Rica. Try opting to walk places instead of driving. 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. Book a transfer from your hotel, opt for a shuttle or public bus, or take a domestic flight to one of the peninsulas larger towns. Rhuigi Villaseor Kept His Foot On The Gas. Famous for its gorgeous Pacific Coast beaches and well known for its surfing, wellness, yoga, and vibrant sunsets, the Nicoya peninsula is a paradise for the mind, body, and soul. Several of Nicoyas beaches like those in the Ostional National Wildlife Reserve are nesting grounds for Kemps Ridley, green, and leatherback turtles. Wildlife is abundant.