Moais are a powerful social tradition that create feelings of belonging, purpose and security. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. Who knows, maybe it will change your life! Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, The information and example set by the inhabitants of the Blue Zone of Nicoya are highly valuable, and some of the life habits can be emulated, planting a blue seed throughout the country. Modern Nicoyans roots to the indigenous Chorotega and their traditions have enabled them to remain relatively free of stress. Located on the Guanacaste Peninsula in northwestern Costa Rica, Nicoya is a rural, beachside, blue-zone community. If coming from San Jose, the easiest way to get to the Nicoya Peninsula is to take the ferry from Puntarenas. 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. It is fascinating to see which factors play into long lifespan including how you can emulate this lifestyle. They are joined by 42 other centenarians in the Nicoya Peninsula, located in the 5 blue cantons: Nicoya, Santa Cruz, Hojancha, Nandayure and Carrillo (according to data from Jorge Vindas, a field researcher for the Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Association). 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. Beyond this context, however, the health authorities are taking measures to help Costa Ricans reach over 80 years of age in good health. They are eye-opening and heart-tugging. The five known Blue Zones identified in Buettner's book include:. The Nicoya Peninsula has five cantons where middle-age morality is lowest and centenarians are the most abundant. Hi, my name is Mike Gillespie & I'm fundraising to help support the Blue Zone communities in Nicoya Costa Rica. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. First and foremost, the competition to get ahead isnt the same here as it is in some other western countries. Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! If we can harness that, we can hopefully improve the health of future generations. 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.) 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. When you book through our trusted partners we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. While the Blue Zones project Lane discusses isnt a cure for COVID-19, the principals lived by the people in those zones could increase the chance of livelihood for people of other cultures. Technology permeates everyday life and Nicoya is the perfect place to go for a digital detox. You may opt-out by. Would you like to visit the Nicoya Peninsula? 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. The Adventists are praying. English is widely spoken and the town has lots of tourist infrastructure with a wide variety of restaurant and accommodation choices. While starting the day off with rice and beans may not be an ideal breakfast for most people, the key to a healthy breakfast is one rich with protein, complex carbs, and antioxidants (minus the preservatives). They begin each meal with a prayer. While Nicoyans start their day by eating a healthy breakfast, their diet is not the only secret to living long lives. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The most amazing part about people who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica is that many of them live without medication or disability. 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. Staples of the traditional Nicoya diet include homemade corn tortillas, black beans, white rice, a variety of squash, yams, papaya, bananas, and pejibayes. The beautiful view of the beaches may also have a hand in this. 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. Try our meal idea that reflects elements of the Nicoyan Peninsula Blue Zoners' diet. 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 Ikarians and the Ikaria is another one of the Blue Zones, and the Costa Ricans, Nicoya, they're taking a nap. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. 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). 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. Rice and black beans, gallo pinto, served with eggs and tropical fruit. It is home to some of the most active, hard-working, and friendliest people on earth. 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. Costa Rica is one of the few tropical countries where its safe to drink tap water even for foreigners and theres no need to buy plastic water bottles. There will be a lot to learn and a lot to do to get back to a healthier normal. Check out all of our favorite travel companies. It's also an area identified as a "Blue Zone . Over the last several months, the world has mourned the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives. The Adobe Rent-A-Car discount includes.. DISCOUNTED SMARTPHONE USAGE WITH UNLIMITED DATA. The forest here is more tropical than further north and is home to deer, pacas, monkeys, armadillos, laughing gulls, pelicans, frigates, and brown boobies. 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. But the simplest truth is that what one needs is to sleep eight hours every night, eat a nutritious, plant-based diet during a six-hour period to give your pancreas an 18-hour break until your next meal, and be at peace with everything and everyone all of the time, he adds. Because of this, they enjoy extremely low rates of heart disease. 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. 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. 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? 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). Buettner approached National Geograhic with his idea and they agreed to help fund his research. Pablo Jenkins, a regenerative investor and futurist explains that it is a great time to take on that wisdom from the local ancestors and combine it with new regenerative ways of living. Win-win! Of course, there is still a desire for success (especially in the cities) but in general, the priorities are shifted. Or, get your zen on at La Senda, the wellness center on a 74-acre forested property near Tamarindo. 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. The peninsula is one of the worlds five Blue Zones where many people live exceptionally long and healthy lives. Barra Honda is on the peninsulas northeast about a half hours drive from the town of Nicoya. 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. Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! He worked with several notable anthropolgists, dieticians, historians, and geneticists to identify and further understand what contributes to a long lifespan. 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. Blue Zones Nicoya desarrolla alimentos, bebidas y suplementos inspirados en los centenarios de la. Lane reasons why Chicago should use the Blue Zones template to improve the lives of people who live there. 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. 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. WED LOVE IF YOUD ADD IT ON PINTEREST! Actually, it is home. Costa Rica Tourism Board, Institutional Site, Costa Rica Convention Center, Promotional Site, Costa Rica Tourism Board | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map. Theyre focused on sick care, and so the actual healthcare is often neglected, says Chaves. 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. They wake up. My fourth investigation into exactly what our Blue Zone folks eat has left this dietitian, well, intrigued. Nicoya. 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. By TCRN STAFF October 5, 2022 528 0 We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. I cant blame you. Drain and pat the onions dry with paper towel. For one, Costa Rica is a small country and most people never move away from the area they were born in. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. Not long after, he began to lead trips to the first Blue Zones that he had discovered. The Nicoya Peninsula, in Costa Rica, is one of them, . 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. Your best bet might be finding a VRBO instead of a hotel. In these areas people have low rates of chronic diseases, so they tend to live longer than in other places. Nicoya, Costa Rica is one of those unique locations where lifestyle, diet, and low stress have dramatically bettered the lives of Ticos and expats alike. Nicoya is located far off in Northeastern Costa Rica. Its also easy to eat healthy in Costa Rica, with its abundance of local foods grown in its fertile volcanic soil. 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. What Is The Potential Of Generative AI In Healthcare? "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. 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). A research team is currently researching the . "This meeting commits us to preserve this Blue Zone, but most importantly, it should have a multiplier effect and serve as an example for the other cantons of the country" said Ana Monge, Commissioner of the Presidential Social Council of the Government of Costa Rica. 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. Changing the American diet and culture around the food we eat can help save lives. Complex carbs provide the energy a person needs to get through the day. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. Do you have any questions about the Costa Rica Blue Zone? Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. 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. There are 5 Blue Zones around the world, one of which is located on the Nicoya Peninsula; the others on the list are Sardinia in Italy, Okinawa in Japan, Loma Linda in the United States, and Icaria, in Greece. Nearby are waterfalls at Montezuma, ziplining near the Cabo Blanco Reserve, and kite surfing. The world has 5 recognized Blue Zones (as determined by the authority of National Geographic ). This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 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. Cities throughout the world can use this template to encourage people to live healthier lives. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. [Try this 5-Minute Tasty Squash and Beans for a taste of Costa Rican homecooking.]. Barrio La California, This goes along with the decision to widen the country's tourism offerings and venture into industries with high potential, such as wellness tourism. 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. 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. Scarlet macaws are bred in Tambor and youll have a chance of seeing them, even on the beach. Read more below about the lessons that Nicoya, Costa Rica can teach you about longevity. Thanks to the peninsulas reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. This Blue Zone is in the mountains of the Nicoyan Peninsula in western Costa Rica. 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. Reporter Dan Buettner closed by saying "it is a great honor to see the results of the idea of researching the issue of longevity that emerged fifteen years ago is coming to fruition in the meeting of the major scientific researchers on the subject of Blue Zones." About two hours down the coast from Tamarindo is Nosara, Nicoyas yoga center (the Nosara Yoga Institute here offers teacher training). This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Ed #2798 Oficina #8 Eating fewer calories appears to be one of the surest ways to add years to your life. Nicoyan centenarians have been the focus of many articles. Centenarians seem to have enjoyed physical work of all their lives. Nicoya, Costa Rica. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. Nicoya is famous for being a marvelous playground for surfers all over the world. Also, the environment just exudes joy. The Peninsula is covered by spectacular beaches that host nature's best. 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). Dan Buettner is really the man behind Blue Zones, so I suggest you start your interest with him. Possessing the highest density of biodiversity of any country in the world, it is also labeled as one of the 5 "blue zones", a term coined by National Geographic author Dan Buettner, describing places where a high percentage of the population lives active . People often consider the impact of global decisions on future generations through legislation. Its difficult to maintain family bonds and friendships when school and work take us far from home, into strange communities. I will be visiting Costa Rica next week to meet with Jorge who founded a local organization that helps the small Blue Zone villages. 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. The Nicoyan way of life can enlighten people to make choices that will help to increase their life expectancy. obesity, or heart disease. Get your fill of fresh fruits like pineapple, mango, papaya, banana, and passionfruit and vegetables and legumes like squash, cassava, plantain, yam, and beans. They also practice good physical and mental health.