I fell in love with the small town of Nosara during a recent visit to Costa Rica. The delicious freshly-prepared vegan food, beautiful beaches, yoga studios, and friendly people immediately made me want this to be my new home. My husband felt the same way and we talked about possibly living here someday. Nosara has such a good vibe about it and immediately transcends you to a place of inner peace. I know that’s the idea of vacations, but this place was different—magical.
Not only is it a special place to visit, Nosara is a better place to live as it’s located in one of the five established Blue Zones where people live statistically longer than elsewhere in the world (https://www.bluezones.com/). The Nicoya peninsula boasts the world’s lowest rates of middle-age mortality and the second highest convergence of male centenarians. So, what factors play a part in longer health here?
1) Have a “plan de vida.” Elders are celebrated by others. They have a strong sense of purpose, feel needed, are active, and contribute to their community.
2) Drink hard water. The Nicoyan peninsula has drinking water high in minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. This “hard” water provides the minerals for good bone density (fewer hip fractures) and lower rates of heart disease.
3) Focus on family life. Elders tend to live with their extended family which provides them with an enhanced sense of belonging. They help with everyday household chores and tasks including helping raise their grandchildren.
4) Eat a light dinner. Nicoyans eat a predominately plant-based diet with a focus on legumes as their source of protein. They also eat their biggest meal during the day and smallest meal at night.
5) Stay physically active. Centenarians have enjoyed hard work all their lives. This work ethic is no exception in their golden years.
6) Get a daily dose of sun. Nicoyans are blessed to live in an area where sunshine is in abundance, keeping them strong, healthy and functional. This daily dose of sun (10-15 minutes) helps their bodies make Vitamin D for strong bones and good heart health.
7) Have faith. Many older Nicoyans believe that faith based in religion, or spirituality helps relieve stress and anxiety.
