In Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, locals are living longer, healthier, and happier lives. This coastal region boasts three and a half times more residents aged over 100 than the global average. What’s their secret?
Nestled on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, the Nicoya Peninsula is one of the world’s renowned “Blue Zones,” where native Costa Ricans enjoy exceptional longevity, health, and happiness.
The area’s stunning nature reserves and commitment to sustainable practices attract ecotourists, while its long, pristine beaches draw surfers from around the globe. Tourists and expats often flock to popular beach towns like Nosara and Santa Teresa, while many locals reside in agricultural communities inland, with a strong focus on the cattle trade.
Let’s explore what makes the Nicoya Peninsula one of the world’s most famous Blue Zones.
What Is A Blue Zone?
The term “Blue Zone” comes from Dan Buettner’s New York Times Bestseller “The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from People Who’ve Lived the Longest,” published by the National Geographic Society in 2008. Buettner identified regions with higher-than-average life expectancy. Blue Zones have a high concentration of people aged over 100 and significantly less disability and disease.
In the Nicoya Peninsula, the proportion of centenarians is around three and a half times the global average. This coastal region has the second-highest concentration of males over 100 and one of the lowest rates of middle-age mortality.
Other Blue Zones identified by Buettner include Okinawa, Japan; the Aegean island of Ikaria, Greece; a Seventh-Day Adventist community in Loma Linda, California; and the Barbagia region of Sardinia, Italy.
The Secrets of the Nicoya Peninsula
Why have native Costa Ricans on the Nicoya Peninsula lived so long?
Several lifestyle factors contribute to the population’s overall good health, shared with other Blue Zone residents.
Buettner’s research found that most centenarians have a sense of purpose, often centered around family or faith. In the Nicoya Peninsula, this is known as a plan de vida, or “reason to live.”
Blue Zone residents maintain a strong work ethic, an active lifestyle, and good sleep habits. The regular sunshine provides ample Vitamin D.
Nicoya’s hard water, rich in calcium and magnesium, likely contributes to residents’ health. Their diet is also a key factor, primarily plant-based and featuring regional delicacies like marañon and noni.
A Culture of Wellness
Costa Rica has become a top destination for wellness retreats. Its beautiful natural surroundings and abundant wildlife make it the perfect place to unwind, destress, and escape the chaos of modern life.
The Nicoya Peninsula, with its vast nature reserves and unspoiled beaches, is a hotspot for wellness seekers. Yoga and wellness resorts are scattered across the region, offering a range of spiritual activities and holistic therapies.
Travelers from around the world can discover the secrets of this extraordinary Blue Zone—home to some of the oldest and healthiest people in the world.
