Win-win! Buettner had spent several years before penning the article leading expeditions including tracing Darwins route in the Galapagos and Marco Polos trip along the Silk Road. Arising from this need, one of the results of the meeting was the establishment of an International Network on Healthy Aging, which will be led from Costa Rica in order to "build knowledge collaboratively", said Montero. First and foremost, the competition to get ahead isnt the same here as it is in some other western countries. Your email address will not be published. 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. Face-to-Face Conversations. These include Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece, and you guessed it; Nicoya, Costa Rica. Blue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longest. Costa Rica Blue Zone: Learn the Secrets to a Long and Happy Life By Ty and Charlene Bollinger. 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. Just note, you might have trouble finding a place to stay. Everywhere you go in Costa Rica, youll hear pura vida! and soon feel the freedom to adopt the pura vida lifestyle yourself. The gateway to the Nicoya Peninsula is the beach town of Tamarindo on the west coast, which is very popular with international travelers. Report from the 'Blue Zone': Why Do People Live Long in Costa Rica? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The Ikarians and the Ikaria is another one of the Blue Zones, and the Costa Ricans, Nicoya, they're taking a nap. Fish is a lean protein and provides oils which help with overall brain function. Nicoya is famous for being a marvelous playground for surfers all over the world. The Nicoyan way of life can enlighten people to make choices that will help to increase their life expectancy. Try opting to walk places instead of driving. The term first emerged in 2005 in a Nation Geographic magazine cover, "The Secrets of a Long Life.". Many believe it will be through the cutting-edge innovations of regenerative medicine that the privileges of the Blue Zones can be democratized, so that anyone, anywhere, and at any time has access to the technology that allows us to replenish, replace and rejuvenate our physical bodies., What weve witnessed during 2020 are healthcare systems around the world that are reactive, bureaucratic, inefficient, and saturated. If you would like to be near things but get a bit more of a feel for traditional Nicoya life while also enjoying a bit of the touristy perks (surfing, fun restaurants etc.) Cities throughout the world can use this template to encourage people to live healthier lives. People often consider the impact of global decisions on future generations through legislation. Guest Writer for Wake Up World. A "Blue Zone" is an area of the world where it is typical for people to live past 100 years old. 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. One thing I found especially interesting is the idea that this long life span is dying out. Montezuma: Best Hotels in Costa Rica. It helps them remain positive. 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. Spirituality and religious involvement/ beliefs. So, having extra-hard water may help keep Nicoyans' hearts strong, and longer. Look for howler and capuchin monkeys, parrots and parakeets, and bigger birds like herons and hawks. It is the reason why the founder of Omega Institute set up Blue Spirit in Nosara and a Longevity center. 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. Having a Blue Zone helps strengthen the country's constant striving for quality of life, both for Costa Ricans and for tourists. Several of Nicoyas beaches like those in the Ostional National Wildlife Reserve are nesting grounds for Kemps Ridley, green, and leatherback turtles. The Power of Nutrition (Part 3): The Blue Zones Physicians Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). Why is Costa Rica one of the Happiest, Healthiest Places - Blue Zones Access to natural foods and organic fruits and vegetables (stables of the Nicoyans) is difficult to come by. Nicoya honey - Blue Zones Nicoya English is widely spoken and the town has lots of tourist infrastructure with a wide variety of restaurant and accommodation choices. 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. 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). Their traditional diet of fortified maize and beans may be the best nutritional combination for longevity the world has ever known. 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. And here are two great reports done that will give you a better understanding of the Nicoya people, area, and mindset. Customer Experience Critical To Consumer Preference: IAAPA CEO Comments On Key Trends, When It Comes To Advertising, Multicultural Representation Is Not Enough. By TCRN STAFF October 5, 2022 528 0 There are two trails for visitors and a pristine white sand beach. 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. The world has 5 recognized Blue Zones (as determined by the authority of National Geographic ). 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. You may opt-out by. 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. And a breakfast rich with antioxidants helps to protect a persons cells from disease. Buettner had spent several years before penning the article leading expeditions including tracing Darwin's route in the Galapagos and Marco Polo's trip along the Silk Road. Rooms have a mini fridge and theres a communal kitchen plus bikes to rent. Dan Buettner is really the man behind Blue Zones, so I suggest you start your interest with him. Nicoya, Costa Rica, is a Central American Caribbean nation that boasts economic security and excellent health care. Drain and pat the onions dry with paper towel. This calcium leads to stronger bones and the ability to stay physically active at a later age. 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 is not unusual for many generations to live on one property or in very close proximity to each other. Not only do they live longer, their metabolism is better, the levels of cognitive impairment are lower, and they function at a higher level. 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. Eating fewer calories appears to be one of the surest ways to add years to your life. A stay at Nantipa will help you have a true Blue Zone adventure, especially if you book its transcendental wellness experience. Learn more about typical diet with our Guide to Costa Rican Food. You can, thanks to the world's "blue zones." 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. seen in blue zones. Beyond this context, however, the health authorities are taking measures to help Costa Ricans reach over 80 years of age in good health. Living Hotel partners with the Spacio spa, a five-minute walk away, which has several treatments geared to surfers. 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. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average lifespan is 85 among the world's highest. Buettner approached National Geograhic with his idea and they agreed to help fund his research. Everything You Need To Know About the Blue Zone in Costa Rica Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula is a Blue Zone for long life | Enchanting Nicoya: the secret to a longer life - NATIVU blog 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 also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. There are five areas of the world that meet the qualifications of Blue Zone as defined by 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. By encouraging Nicoyans belief community and sense of purpose through work, family, or nature, cities could help their poorest thrive. The baby turtles hatch 45 to 54 days later and, if theyre lucky, might live another 50 to 80 years. We are always happy to help you out! Nantipas special wellness booking includes yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic and sound therapies, and sessions with wellness coaches and personal trainers. Even in areas like Nicoya, this has been replaced with the ease of processed meals and fast food (although there are very few fast food options in Nicoya in my experience). Poor communities are notorious for living in food deserts. For most Americans, an entrance ramp for a new lifestyle change is through their mouth, Buettner says. 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. Modern Nicoyans roots to the indigenous Chorotega and their traditions have enabled them to remain relatively free of stress. Unlocking the secret to longevity in Nicoya region Costa Rica Nearby are waterfalls at Montezuma, ziplining near the Cabo Blanco Reserve, and kite surfing. My fourth investigation into exactly what our Blue Zone folks eat has left this dietitian, well, intrigued. It is believed that one factor which may contribute to the high number of Nicoyan centenarians is the high calcium content in the water. El propsito de la compaa es promover y crear conciencia sobre el consumo de productos de alta calidad, con valor nutricional y . A nine-hole golf course is a mile away.