Happy New Year, everyone! Thinking back to one year ago, I definitely could not have predicted how this year would turn out. Nevertheless, together, we’ve been able to get through some of the toughest times, and 2021 brings hope for the future. To start off this year’s posts, I will explore the fourth Blue Zone: Nicoya, Costa Rica.
Quick facts: Population: around 161,000 Region type: consists of two provinces (Guanacaste and Puntarenas) Geography: 80-mile long peninsula Fun fact: in Nicoya, men have a higher chance of becoming centenarians than women! Living in a tropical and sunny area could be a factor in the Nicoyans’ secret to living longer. The consistent sunshine helps the body produce vitamin d, which is important in the regulation of calcium and bone health. Furthermore, the water in Nicoya has a very high calcium content, which could also help in creating strong bones and therefore less falls and injuries related to frailty. Diet also contributes to the overall health of Nicoyans. Many Nicoyans follow the Mesoamerican diet, which highlights corn, squash, and beans. Other foods common in this diet include plantains, papaya, pejibaye (peach palm fruit), and yams. All these foods are highly nutritious, providing vitamins and antioxidants. Nicoya shares aspects of lifestyle that are common to most of the Blue Zones so far, like social connections, physical activity, and purpose for living. The concept that Nicoyans embrace is called plan de vida, similar to ikigai in Okinawa. However, such a ‘life plan’ doesn't have to be something grand or exceptional. In fact, most elderly focus on the simplicities of daily life, perhaps teaching their grandchildren about the way of life or checking in on their neighbors, to thrive into old age.
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