Costa Rica: Blue Zone

Costa Rica, a country well-known for its amazing scenery and rich wildlife, also possesses an amazing longevity secret. This country in Central America is home to the Nicoya Peninsula, which is notable for being a Blue Zone—a place where people live incredibly long lives. The present article delves into the distinctive features of Nicoya, Costa Rica, utilizing perspectives from Blue Zones studies, the Blue Nicoya website, and the Netflix film "Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones."

Plan de Vida, or Reason to Live

The "plan de vida," a deep-rooted sense of purpose that keeps the elderly optimistic, is one of Nicoya's most unique features. Their everyday lives are centered around this idea, which inspires them to stay active and involved in the community.

Robust Family ties and a sense of community

Nicoyans place a high value on family and community. Elderly people frequently live with their family, which can include kids and grandkids, creating a purposeful and encouraging atmosphere. Regular contacts with neighbors are part of this close-knit community structure, highlighting the significance of social networks in their lifespan.

Dietary customs

Nicoyans typically eat "the three sisters"—squash, corn, and beans—as part of their Mesoamerican cuisine. Along with eating light dinners early in the evening, their dietary practices support the idea that cutting back on calories can lengthen one's life.

Physical Activity and Environment

Centenarians from Nicoya typically work physically and maintain an active lifestyle. Their longevity and good health are attributed to the region's hard water, which is high in calcium, and moderate sun exposure, which promotes the synthesis of Vitamin D.

Cultural and Historical Roots

The stress-free lifestyle and traditional cuisine of the Nicoyans, which is considered to be one of the finest nutritional combinations for longevity, are clear manifestations of the indigenous Chorotega people's impact.

Blue Nicoya: A Community-Based Project

A peek of the regional goods and customs that adhere to the Blue Zone ideals can be found on the Blue Nicoya website. With an emphasis on local foods from the Nicoya Peninsula and ecological sustainability, this project highlights the significance of natural, healthful diets in prolonging lifespan.

Netflix Original Film: An International View

The Netflix video "Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones" offers a thorough examination of the lives of centenarians in Nicoya, Costa Rica. This video provides insights into the distinctive lives and behaviors that contribute to the extraordinary lifespan of its population. It is a part of a global examination of Blue Zones. The way the concepts of Blue Zones are implemented in Nicoya and other parts of the world is fascinating to watch.

The documentary "Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones" is available on Netflix for additional viewing.

In summary

Nicoya, Costa Rica, is a prime example of a Blue Zone because of the special combination of dietary, behavioral, and cultural elements that lead to remarkably long life expectancies among its citizens. The teachings from Nicoya provide insightful advice on how to live a longer, better life, highlighting the significant effects of nutrition, purpose, and community.

Sources:

https://www.bluezones.com/explorations/nicoya-costa-rica/