Secret to a long life Discovered in Nicoya Peninsula

Secret to a long life may just lie in the Nicoya Peninsula region in Costa Rica. Among Costa Rica’s many treasures and benefits may also be the long searched for secret to living a long, healthy and happy life. The factors that contribute to longevity include: low stress lifestyle, plant based diet, faith of some sort and water high in minerals! A sense of purpose and hard work are also part of the attitudes that lead to a longevity. Nicoyan centenarians tend to live with their families, and children or grandchildren providing much-needed support to families from which they gain a sense of purpose and belonging.

It turns out the Nicoya Peninsula is in the Blue Zone – one of five hot spots around the globe where people live longer lives. The zones include: Loma Linda, California, Ikaria, Greece; Sardinia, Italy, and Okinawa, Japan. Defined by its sandy beaches and tropical forest, Nicoya Peninsula is one of the areas in the zone.

Add to this discovery, “Costa Rica spends only about one tenth of what the United States spends on healthcare, yet more than twice as many men there can expect to reach a healthy age 90.” There’s something about being able to slow down and take life in that benefits all humans, and it’s a quality many westerners seem to have lost. Diet also plays an important role. A plant based, fresh food diet is a big factor. Fortunately, Costa Rica is an agricultural country with an abundance of fresh, locally grown organic produce available year round.

Its customs and lifestyles create an environment where people can live healthier, longer lives, and that’s great news. It’s a testament to what many people experience when coming here, and part of the reason the country’s population continues to swell. It’s a lifestyle choice that is good for the heart, mind and body. It’s no wonder, Costa Rica has also been identified as one of the happiest countries in the world, and the Nicoyans may just be the epicenter of a well lived life.