Customer Experience Critical To Consumer Preference: IAAPA CEO Comments On Key Trends, When It Comes To Advertising, Multicultural Representation Is Not Enough. 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. The heart is a muscle, and all muscle contractions depend on calcium. Getting up in the air on tree canopy tours via ziplines and rope bridges is popular throughout Costa Rica. Dan discovered five places where residents have low rates of chronic disease and live longer than anywhere else. Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! 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. If you want to really embrace the Nicoya Peninsula blue zone vibe, head to any small village in the area. Costa Rica Tourism Board, Institutional Site, Costa Rica Convention Center, Promotional Site, Costa Rica Tourism Board | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map. obesity, or heart disease. Nicoyans eat a light dinner early in the evening. Theyre focused on sick care, and so the actual healthcare is often neglected, says Chaves. 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. - save 10% Plus other perks . Costa Rica is known for its pura vida lifestyle and attitude. The world has 5 recognized Blue Zones (as determined by the authority of National Geographic ). Your email address will not be published. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. In the southern part of the peninsula, Santa Teresa is a popular surf area that sprawls for miles along the coast. Try opting to walk places instead of driving. There are two trails for visitors and a pristine white sand beach. As indicated by the World Health Organization, "active or positive aging is the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age". What are Blue Zones? If we can harness that, we can hopefully improve the health of future generations. El propsito de la compaa es promover y crear conciencia sobre el consumo de productos de alta calidad, con valor nutricional y . Warm, Sunny Climate. Wildlife is abundant. They have been able to exceed their life expectancy and serve as an example for the entire world. He added that "we must somehow emulate, duplicate or copy the lifestyle of centenarians, and their way of living, but above all, their environment, diet, activity; above all, the connections they make, human connections, not technological ones. Ed #2798 Oficina #8 Not only do they live longer, their metabolism is better, the levels of cognitive impairment are lower, and they function at a higher level. And here are two great reports done that will give you a better understanding of the Nicoya people, area, and mindset. It's also an area identified as a "Blue Zone . Dan Buettner is really the man behind Blue Zones, so I suggest you start your interest with him. The Adobe Rent-A-Car discount includes.. DISCOUNTED SMARTPHONE USAGE WITH UNLIMITED DATA. He worked with several notable anthropolgists, dieticians, historians, and geneticists to identify and further understand what contributes to a long lifespan. Nicoyan centenarians tend to live with their families, and children or grandchildren provide support and a sense of purpose and belonging. Nicoya is a small, rural beach community located on the Guanacaste peninsula on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. 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. This Central American nation isn't that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. What we can incorporate about Nicoya into our culture is the sense of purpose Nicoyans enjoy. Lane reasons why Chicago should use the Blue Zones template to improve the lives of people who live there. A blue zone is a geographical area in which the population is the longest-lived. Win-win! mobile app. Nicoya is located far off in Northeastern Costa Rica. 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. 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. When Dan Buettner introduced the concept of Blue Zones, he formed the Blue Zones Project. 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. It would be hard to imagine two more different places than free-wheeling Costa Rica and legally rigid Singapore, yet both are among the happiest places on earth. Thanks to the peninsulas reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. People who have diabetes, heart conditions, or are overweight tend to have a more difficult time if they are infected by COVID-19. They are places where people get around by walking more than by car, they eat more plants than meat, and a diet that includes beans or grains such as corn, where the family is their number one purpose. Old people often have too little calcium in their bodies. 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. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Its very interesting, and I mean, who doesnt love a good TED Talk? 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. Montezuma: Best Hotels in Costa Rica. That sense of purpose drives them in all aspects of their lives. Nicoya is located on the Guanacaste peninsula in Costa Rica, and is considered one of the 7 blue zones found worldwide. Because of this, they enjoy extremely low rates of heart disease. I suggest visiting Cabuya (a small town between Montezuma and Santa Teresa) or San Francisco de Coyote (a remote beach town). 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 Peninsula is covered by spectacular beaches that host nature's best. We do not need to wait for our cities of residence to adopt the principles for healthier living outlined in the Blue Zones Project. 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. I also suggest watching his TED Talk. Many of us in Western countries know we need to eat less junk and add more natural food to our diets. Guest Writer for Wake Up World. We're going to focus on the last one, mostly because it hits close to home. Also, the environment just exudes joy. Spirituality and religious involvement/ beliefs. Thanks to the peninsula's reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. Lane cites the impact of COVID-19 on minorities like Blacks and Hispanics throughout Chicago. 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. Oftentimes, this helps maintain healthy and supportive relationships within their communities, and develop a strong sense of faith and purpose along the way. In the Nicoya Peninsula, the water is particularly rich in calcium and magnesium which studies show is good for cardiovascular health and preventing cancer. Still planning? La Senda has a 2.5-acre labyrinth with a two-mile-long path (said to be the biggest in the world) as well as horseback riding. Face-to-Face Conversations. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Healthy and supportive relationships with friends and family are another one of their keys to longevity. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. So, what's the secret behind our region's long life? Rooms have a mini fridge and theres a communal kitchen plus bikes to rent. 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. The climate in the Blue Zone is very mild, which may help to protect against diseases. The Tortuga Islands are offshore and are a frequent destination for snorkeling trips, even from other parts of the peninsula. To my delight, Costa Rica has its own Blue Zone - the Nicoya Peninsula! 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. These characteristics are: Despite this, it is believed that 30% of a long healthy life comes from genes and 70% is based on lifestyle. howler and white face monkeys, red variegated squirrels, sloths, anteaters, raccoon-like coatis, butterflies, plus some 900 bird species including the fiery-billed aracari toucan and the rufous-tailed hummingbird. Get some sensible sun. If youre eating a standard American diet, its probably shaving about six to 10 years off of your life expectancy, Buettner says. As of now, there are 5 blue zones: Icaria, Greece. 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. . Speaking of work, finding work/life balance is a constant challenge for many. We can no longer afford to allow the COVID pandemic to cause us to live in or out of a place of fear. 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. Down on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica's Blue Zone, visitors can book into a yoga retreat, eat freshly caught fish, go surfing and ride horses along the beach. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Technology permeates everyday life and Nicoya is the perfect place to go for a digital detox. Fish is a lean protein and provides oils which help with overall brain function. Going down the west coast from Tamarindo youll find several beach towns, most notably yoga center Nosara and surfers paradise Santa Teresa. In other words, it lives longer than the average global life expectancy. They embrace the relaxed Pura Vida lifestyle and family always comes first. 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. 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. Nicoyan centenarians have been the focus of many articles. Protein helps to rebuild and repair tissue, as well as it helps a person to feel full. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. 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!) 4. 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. 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." Cities throughout the world can use this template to encourage people to live healthier lives. Conzcanos. People often consider the impact of global decisions on future generations through legislation. The Nicoya Peninsula is on Costa Ricas north Pacific coast. It is not unusual for several generations to gather on a regular basis for lively gatherings. 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. Along with starting every morning with a healthy breakfast, Nicoyans also eat nutritious food throughout the day. Costa Rica indeed does celebrate its elderly citizens; every person who has a 100 th birthday is . We hope you love the Blue Zone Costa Rica stays we recommend. This provides the nutrition they need to work hard during the day. Swimming holes dot the peninsula too, including beneath the Montezuma waterfall. The reason why they are called "blue zones" is a curious story This vigorous village is one of the Blue Zones' unique hotspots. 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). Moderate alcohol intake, especially wine. This Blue Zone is in the mountains of the Nicoyan Peninsula in western Costa Rica. Beyond this context, however, the health authorities are taking measures to help Costa Ricans reach over 80 years of age in good health. By TCRN STAFF October 5, 2022 528 0 It remains to be seen if the COVID pandemic will affect that average. "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. Certain common characteristics were also established in order to determine whether additional Blue Zones could be added in the near future. 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. At the southern tip of the peninsula is Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. Surprisingly, happiness and keeping a focus on family are two of the main components. 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. These places are full of one-hundred-year-olds who have reached such like live wires, not in bed or in hospital. 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. Loma Linda, California. Meat, fish, and poultry only make up 5% of the usual diet. These cookies do not store any personal information. What Is The Potential Of Generative AI In Healthcare? Complex carbs provide the energy a person needs to get through the day. Residents of this 80-mile peninsula found south of the Nicaraguan border have the world's lowest middle-age mortality rates, and the second highest number of male centenarians in the world. Access to natural foods and organic fruits and vegetables (stables of the Nicoyans) is difficult to come by. Guevara lives in the Nicoya peninsula of Costa Rica. A "Blue Zone" is a region of the world where people commonly live past the age of 100 years.In "Blue Zone Nicoya Peninsula", residents live even longer than those in other areas of Costa Rica. Of course, there is still a desire for success (especially in the cities) but in general, the priorities are shifted. 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. 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). When you book through our trusted partners we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. They include good physical and mental health, upholding a traditional diet, a deep faith and spirituality, support and respect to family networks that go across generations, where grandchildren spend time with their grandparents and share in their knowledge, physical activity and constant mobility, and a purpose in life associated with spirituality. Scarlet macaws are bred in Tambor and youll have a chance of seeing them, even on the beach. This is a BETA experience. Dubbed "blue zones," residents of these areas share a common environment and lifestyle that . Costa Rica as a whole is a happy place. O segreto da Zona Azul de 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. These areas are: Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Ikaria, Greece. 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. Another option is to take the 75-minute ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya from Puntarenas to Paquera. All of our step by step Costa Rica planning tips in one spot. Meanwhile, last year the average individual from the United States ate 222.2 pounds of meat and poultry. Look for howler and capuchin monkeys, parrots and parakeets, and bigger birds like herons and hawks. Despite that, the area has many of the same ideals that the rest of Costa Ricans have. Nicoya, Costa Rica. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 11 talking about this. So, having extra-hard water may help keep Nicoyans' hearts strong, and longer. In an article in the Chicagoan, Marc J. Some of the roads in Nicoyas interior and south arent paved, so the deeper you go into the peninsula the more you may prefer to fly (for example, its a 20-minute flight from San Jos to the tiny Tambor airport in the south). Modern Nicoyans roots to the indigenous Chorotega and their traditions have enabled them to remain relatively free of stress. Moais are a powerful social tradition that create feelings of belonging, purpose and security. American researcher, Dan Buettner, discovered that people in these areas shared several lifestyle characteristics: They don't smoke; They eat a plant-based diet First . Do you have any questions about the Costa Rica Blue Zone? Sardinia, Italy. My Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Retreat. By encouraging Nicoyans belief community and sense of purpose through work, family, or nature, cities could help their poorest thrive. Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). The Nicoya Peninsula, in Costa Rica, is one of them, . Lane reported isolation, alienation, and high rates of depression in Chicagos poorest neighborhoods as some of the reasons behind the high rates of COVID cases. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 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). Who knows, maybe it will change your life! ", For Belgian researcher Michel Poulain, one of the most important message of the World Meeting of Blue Zones is to tell the world that "Costa Rica has a treasure of longevity in the Nicoya Peninsula, that comes from the past generations, which has been built year by year. 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. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. Imagine yourself in a future not-so-distant, where more conscious lifestyle decisions you make at an individual level, are supported by a branch of medicine that attempts to change the course of diseases and regenerates failing parts of our bodies. It is a template outlining the lifestyles of people who live in places like Nicoya, Costa Rica. My fourth investigation into exactly what our Blue Zone folks eat has left this dietitian, well, intrigued. "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." In these areas people have low rates of chronic diseases, so they tend to live longer than in other places. We can start making healthier choices today, thus living more enriching lives and encouraging others to adopt similar healthy ways of living. Try spending quality times with your loved ones. The gateway to the Nicoya Peninsula is the beach town of Tamarindo on the west coast, which is very popular with international travelers. Just note, you might have trouble finding a place to stay. 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. Most residents here live to be over the age of 90 and there's a high number of centenarians as well. 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. 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. Compreende os 5 cantos da Pennsula de Nicoya: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz e Nicoya. 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. The distinguished list included pioneering researchers on this subject: Michel Poulain of Belgium, Dr. Gianni Mario Pes and Paolo Francalacci from Sardinia, Italy, Christina Chrysochoou from Icaria, Greece, Makoto Suzuki from Okinawa, Japan, Gina Siapco from Loma Linda, USA, and Diego Bernardini from Argentina. 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. All rights reserved. It includes black beans, cooked plantains, fresh papaya, yams, squash, homemade corn tortillas, and fish (if near the coast).