Long Healthy Life In The Blue Zone of Costa Rica

The secret to living a long, happy life may be found in the mountains of Costa Rica. Specifically, the rural landscapes of the Nicoya Peninsula, where people have some of the longest lifespans in the world. 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.

Once you get off the beaten path in Costa Rica and away from the paved roads, mammoth tourist resorts, and bright lights, you’ll begin to understand why this place is so special. Traveling deeper into the green valleys and higher into the lush hills, you’ll begin feeling the carefree lifestyle and suddenly realize you’re in another world.

According to his studies, the Nicoya Peninsula has the world’s lowest rates of middle-age mortality and the second highest convergence of centenarians. Costa Rica indeed does celebrate its elderly citizens; every person who has a 100th

birthday is featured on the national news. In 2012, Costa Rica reported 417 citizens over the age of 100; the country’s official population is more or less

4.5 million.

Researchers and specialists found interesting similarities among the Nicoyan centenarians that are common characteristics in all of the other Blue Zones:

• Focus on your family and friends. Good relationships with our family and friends are important. Maintaining a strong social network contributes greatly to centenarian’s sense of purpose and well-being. People of all ages are socially active and greatly involved in their communities.

• Have Faith. The Nicoyan’s strong belief in God and their faith routines help relieve stress and anxiety.

• Working hard. Nicoyan centenarians maintain a strong work ethic, which keeps them active and healthy. Moderate physical activity is a normal part of daily life like walking, biking, gardening, keeping up the house, caring for animals, and much more in a relaxed lifestyle.

• Drinking hard water with high amounts of calcium and magnesium is essential for bone and muscle strength, which is found in Nicoya’s water. By drinking and cooking with this water, people here get their daily intake of calcium throughout their entire lives.

• Healthy organic lifestyle. Most of the various Blue Zone residents in the world eat a primarily plant-based diet, especially vegetables (all kinds of beans, peas, and lentils). Eating rich fruit high in antioxidants in Nicoya is Marañon, it is from a red-orange cashew tree and the fruit has more vitamin C than oranges also a Noni, a pear-like fruit.

• Get sun. Nicoyans enjoy healthy doses of daily sun, enriching their bodies with Vitamin D. Getting at least 15 minutes every day can decrease the risk for osteoporosis and heart disease, experts say.

• Better Sleep. Nicoyans sleep an average of 8 hours per day. They more or less go to sleep soon after nightfall around 6 pm daily and wake with the sun at 5:30 am.

• No smoking. Smoking is not common in Blue Zone communities

  Why are Costa Ricans so healthy? It’s this low-stress, natural, and healthy environment that makes this such a remarkable and relaxing place to visit. Of course, just visiting the Nicoya Peninsula won’t make you healthier or help you live to 100, but tourists often say they can feel the stress leave their bodies as soon as they arrive. Maybe that’s why the Costa Rica Blue Zone is such a popular location for retreats centred on well-being, yoga, mindfulness, and health.

  Make this magical area your next destination and explore and discover the long-life secrets of the Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone.