THE BLUE ZONE IN COSTA RICA
In the picturesque landscapes of Costa Rica, where lush jungles kiss pristine beaches, there exists a haven known for vibrant life and vibrant living — the Nicoya Peninsula, a celebrated Blue Zone of the world. Nestled on the northwestern coast of Costa Rica, this enchanting region harbors secrets to a life that is not only longer but replete with a rich sense of community and wellbeing.
What is a Blue Zone?
The ‘Blue Zone’ is a modern concept that was created to denote regions across the globe where people have been found to live longer and healthier lives. The concept was forged by two academics, Gianni Pes and Michel Poulain, while working on a demographic study in the Nuoro Province, Sardinia, Italy in 2000. Sardinia was long known to produce the highest number of male centenarians.
Later in 2004, Dan Buettner, in collaboration with National Geographic, built on Pes and Poulain’s demographic work and proposed four additional locations: Okinawa Island in Japan, Icaria in Greece, Loma Linda in California and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica.
Yes, you read it right, Costa Rica has a Blue Zone! It’s located right in the heart of Guanacaste. So, if you visit our beaches on vacation and you see a bunch of happy and relaxed fellows, well, now you know why!
The Nicoya Peninsula: Costa Rica's Fountain of Youth
In the recognized Costa Rican Blue Zone of the Nicoya Peninsula, one can witness a remarkable blend of longevity, vibrant culture, and untouched nature. This region is a biodiverse haven, home to a myriad of flora and fauna, including the vibrant hibiscus flowers, towering Guanacaste trees, and an array of wildlife such as howler monkeys and scarlet macaws.
The locals, or "Nicoyans", attribute their longevity to a unique blend of a nutrient-rich diet consisting of locally grown foods, a strong sense of community, and a lifestyle that naturally incorporates physical activity. The area consists mainly of close-knit communities with a notable number of centenarians.
Moreover, the Nicoyans maintain a positive outlook towards life, often characterized by a deep sense of purpose, fostering an environment where people lead fulfilling, joyful lives well into their centenary years.
Common Characteristics of Blue Zones
What makes a region a Blue Zone? What do these places have in common? Dan Buettner, author and Blue Zones founder, identifies common lifestyle characteristics, based on empirical data and first hand observations, such as:
- Moderate and regular physical activity
- Life purpose
- Stress reduction
- Moderate calories intake
- Plant-based diet
- Moderate alcohol intake
- Engagement in spirituality or religion
- Engagement in family life
- Engagement in social life
Seems like some pretty obvious characteristics right? Some geniuses around here would say that those aspects are pretty obvious factors in order to live well and longer. However, if it’s so obvious, why with 7.4 billion humans, just 7.9% are 65 or older? Why is the average age approximately 30 years? The answer is that a lot of people exchange those parameters with some damaging ones and, in most cases, they don’t even realize they are doing it.
We aren’t doctors but if you keep living an unhealthy lifestyle and reside in a polluted environment, your chances of reaching a 3 digit birthday is slim. Not only that, but remaining positive and adopting a happy go-lucky attitude is arguably much harder to do than giving up the cheeseburgers. These characteristics are much easier to adopt when you’re surrounded by like-minded individuals with similar lifestyles and attitudes. Not to mention the spectacular surroundings. Hence the birth of Blue Zones.
Never feel blue in Costa Rica’s Blue Zone
The Nicoya Peninsula stands as a beacon of vibrant health, community connectivity, and a simpler way of life that resonates deeply with people of all age groups. Whether you choose to embark on a visit or plant roots in this nourishing soil, you are embracing a lifestyle enriched with organic sustenance, a community of warm and welcoming locals, and the rejuvenating embrace of nature at its pristine best.
From the youngest members of the family finding joy in the unspoiled playgrounds of nature to the elders flourishing in a community that respects and celebrates age, the Nicoya Peninsula offers a haven where life is lived with a deep-seated joy and fulfillment.
We invite you to ponder on the harmonious life the Blue Zone has to offer, and the benefits of tooliving so close to one would do for you and your future. Check out our list of Costa Rica villas for sale and imagine a new life here in this tropical paradise.
