In this Daily: The Peninsula de Nicoya’s Blue Zone, Costa Rica’s Longest-Lived Area
The Nicoya Peninsula, which Las Catalinas is on the northern edge of, is one of the world’s five blue zones, geographic areas where high numbers of the population consistently live to 100 years and older while maintaining vitality, energy, and high quality of life. It’s a region that provides some insight into building a long-term lifestyle that is vibrant and full of energy.
There are four major pillars of Nicoyan life that contribute to this healthy, energetic, long life: a balanced diet sourced from the earth, an active lifestyle among the outdoors, strong familial and societal bonds, and a cultural concept called plan de vida.
A Balanced Diet Sourced from the Earth
Many Nicoyans follow a primarily plant-based diet, centered on whole grains, natural dairy, legumes, vegetables, fruits, and other very natural, minimally processed ingredients. The area is also known for its “hard water”, which has some of the highest calcium and magnesium content of the entire country’s drinking water, which is good for both the heart and the bones, especially moving for older Nicoyans.
This natural diet is well-supported by an ever-growing body of research that supports organic, naturally occurring plants, meats, and products that are simple and sourced locally. These types of diets are more closely calibrated to what humans have evolved to eat over millions of years, a very simple way to cover the body’s nutrients, and are a major unifying factor of the Nicoyans who remain healthy for long periods of time.
A breakdown traditional diet consumed by Nicoyan Centenarians | PC: Blue Zones
An Active Lifestyle
Another trait of long-lived Nicoyans is the way that they continue to be active and spend time in the outdoors for the duration of their lives. This frequent physical activity helps keep the body, and especially the heart, healthy, lifts the mood, ensures that Nicoyan centenarians are energetic and full of life, and provides vitamin D from a reasonable time outside in the sun. Combined with other forms of activity, like writing, art, and learning new skills like dancing and music, and older Nicoyans stay active both mentally and physically.
The Costa Rican Gerontology Association (Ageco) is working closely with Nicoyans to build programs for what they call "active aging", which involve physical and mental exercises | PC: Commons
Strong Familial and Societal Bonds
One major trait of Nicoyan society is that across multiple generations families remain very close-knit, often living in the same home or at least within a short walk. Continued involvement of all members of the family, who each pitch in and contribute to celebrations, mealtimes, social occasions, and the household chores is a major source of support for both older Nicoyans and young, with elder generations respected for their wealth of experiences.
There’s also the importance of relations outside of the family. Residents of the Nicoya peninsula remain active and engaged in the community no matter what the age, which especially helps older Nicoyans feel valued and connected, and offers a way to continue to contribute well into their 80s, 90s, and 100s.
Another learning from Nicoyans are that tight familial bonds are a foundation for a long, healthy, and happy life. | PC: Commons
Plan de Vida
Another fundamental pillar of the Nicoyan longevity is a cultural concept called Plan de Vida, or “plan of living.” In Nicoya, older members are not just active and social members of the community, but also make a point to find a plan de vida, a purpose to which they can dedicate themselves through which they can give back to the community. Having a clear purpose, like teaching or the arts, provides a consistent set of goals to work towards, and propels a positive outlook where older Nicoyans feel that they continue to be valued and meaningful members of their towns and villages for their whole lives.
Learning from the Nicoyan Lifestyle
The characteristics of the Nicoyan lifestyle are actually shared in many ways by the world’s other four blue zones. A balanced, fundamentally local and balanced diet offers a long-term sustainable form of nutrition. An active lifestyle, both mentally and physically, along with time spent in the outdoors, keeps the body healthy and full of energy. Strong community bonds, both through family and friends, provide a sense of purpose and belonging. And finally, a positive outlook, characterized by purpose and passion for activities and a way to give back provides a plan de vida, to continue working and contributing to others.
These are the foundational aspects of happy and healthy long term living, not just for those in their 80s, 90s, and 100s, but for those of all ages. And some of these same aspects contribute to the healthy lifestyle in Las Catalinas.
Friendly exchanges in passing are one of the many benefits of town's walkable neighborhoods
Diverse, fresh plants, meats, and products are all available locally, in an environment protected carefully by the Costa Rican government. An active lifestyle in the outdoors is available just steps away from every home and flat in town. Town’s urban density and walkable streets naturally foster a social atmosphere and make it easy for families to spend time together. There are numerous hobbies, passions, and activities to explore to stay driven and purposeful.
In this way, it’s possible to see the continued evidence that town has learned from some of the world’s favorite places, to create a way of life that fosters healthy, happy living for visitors of any age.
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