Blue Zones

The Nicoya Peninsula here on the Pacific side of Costa Rica is categorized by scientists and demographers as one of five “Blue Zones” in the world.  These “Blue Zones” are places where people often live active lives beyond the age of 100.

Researchers have found there are certain characteristics that each of these areas have in common…factors  that contribute to the longevity of the residents there.  And, although I did not make the connection at the time, I have been able to witness these factors in action while spending the past 3 months in Playa del Coco.

What I observed were the incredibly strong family values that serve as the platform for all other activities of daily life.  Costa Rican families tend to be large.  Young couples have not one, not two, but four, five or more children in fairly rapid succession.  Adults spend huge amounts of quality time with their children, playing with them, enjoying life together.  Old people are always included in family outings to the beach or a favorite picnic spot.  Families are cohesive, support each other and derive joy from their interaction.

Next to the importance of family structure, another prime factor in the Blue Zone is that the main staples of the Costa Rican diet come from things that grow in the earth with legumes being the most common.  Though not strict vegetarians, their food is certainly based more on plants than animals.   Smoking among Costa Ricans is rare and their daily activity level is high.  Working, walking or riding a bicycle are all forms of exercise that everyone here gets loads of on a daily basis.  So, slim and trim is the standard body type among most of people who live in this region.

Finally, as noted in a previous blog, Costa Ricans are happy people and it is this state of mind combined with family values, healthy diet, and a high level of physical activity that result in people living long, healthy lives frequently for more than a century.  The Nicoya Peninsula: one of only five Blue Zones in the world!

And for a brief update on the wild and crazy week just past, it is difficult to figure where to start.  Dottie and Roy were here for 2 weeks, having just headed back to Tennessee this morning.  Gay, our friend and former neighbor at Venetian Golf & River Club in Venice, Florida got here last Saturday and will be with us for the rest of this week.  Tammy and Monte just came down to Coco for their 2nd trip here this winter.  Several of our local friends just headed home after spending their winter here.  Kenny and Diane, Bob and Judy, John and Pam, Ralph and Carolyn………..all gone just in the last few days.  Chaos is the only order that exists as the end of our stay draws near.  So much happening and so few days left to squeeze it all in.

Scrambling around like chickens at a fox convention, we’re trying to wrap up things for a May closing on our just purchased condo here at Pacifico.  Above is the view from the living room.  Pura Vida!!!!