There are people in Costa Rica that live longer than anywhere else in the world!  This statistic was reported by National Geographic author Dan Buettner on the Oprah show this week. 

DAN BUETTNER

Buettner’s book,The Blue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Who’ve Lived The Longest is part of a continuing search for Global Hotspots (Blue Zones) where people are living, disability free, over 100 years of age.  

When the Blue Zone author discovered that there were literally hundreds of 100+ year old people living in the Nicoya Peninsula area of Costa Rica he proclaimed it to be “the biggest Blue Zone on Earth”. 

What is it about this particular area that may contribute to “Tico” longevity?  Besides genetics, one advantage to longevity in this part of the world is the water.  It is considered to be “hard” water by U.S. standards, loaded with minerals, including calcium that strengthens bones.                                                          

PATRONE and DR. OZ

Dr. Oz from the Oprah show was so interested in the mysteries of the Costa Rican centenarians that he accompanied Dan on his expedition.  Dr Oz’s explanation concerning the untreated, natural water consumption is that, “Hard water has proven benefits.  Calcium, magnesium and water---it relaxes your arteries, it builds bone strength and it has a huge benefit across the board in how your body functions.”

Besides the great water available, the rich volcanic Costa Rican soil combined with almost perfect growing conditions creates a virtual Garden of Eden where fruit trees of various kinds provide their ripened gifts all year long.  Dan Buettner says that the local staples of beans, corn tortillas and squash, which Central Americans have been eating for over 3500 years is “the Mesoamerican Trifecta, that it is the best longevity food ever invented.” 

PANCHITA

Also noted was the fact that locals were not watching hours of television or “computering”, allowing the natural sleep cycle to take its course.  The next phenomenon observed by OZ-Buettner was the strength and vitality displayed by these “senior citizens”.

Photography by Priscilla Mora Flores http://www.lightstalkers.org/priscila_mora_flores

Panchita, an amazing 102 year young woman still chops wood that she uses in her traditional wood burning stove.  Her 80 year old son rides his bike to mom’s house every morning to check in on her.  Please view the short video here (click on it view).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lWmzzGDzoM&feature=related***

There were many others whose age was more of a distraction than anything else.  An 86 year old woman named Fillipa still hand makes and sells her special tamales and Dr. Oz spotted 95 year old Serillo riding by on his bike to visit some friends.  Jose is a sprightly 99 year old “hardbody” who tends a garden, chops thick weeds and brush with a machete and whose main mode of transportation is walking.                                          

Importantly, there was a close social network of not only family members but friends and neighbors who always visited and helped each other. So far, the reason for the Nicoya, Costa Rican’s longevity is based upon normal recommendations most doctors tell their patients---eat a proper diet, heavy in fruits and veggies and lentils, cut back on red meat, drink lots of water, get plenty of exercise, reduce calories,  etc. 

However, the next ingredients for longevity are completely revolutionary and perhaps even controversial to some.  Based on Dan Buettner’s discovery and interactions with people from 4, (now 5) Global Blue Zones the final keys to longevity include *RED WINE- regularly and in moderation  *DOWNSHIFT-slow down, rest, vacations, work less (reduce stress)   *PLAN DE VIDA-Know your purpose in life   *BELONG-Create a healthy social network   *YOUR TRIBE-Make family a priority   *BELIEFS-Spiritual or religious participation---What did he say?  Yep, not everything in the universe is known to our “learned” scientists yet, but to Dan Buettner there are 9 keys to human longevity, 5 of which have to do with the non-physical!

These rules are all based on his interactions and observations with really old, healthy, life-loving people from all over the planet, especially the ones he met in Costa Rica!  (see below for THE POWER 9)

1.                 80% Rule (stop eating when you’re 80% full)

2.                 Plant-Power (more veggies, less protein and processed foods)                

POWER 9

3.                 Red Wine (consistency and moderation)

4.                 Plan de Vida (know your purpose in life)

5.                 Beliefs (spiritual or religious participation)

6.                 Down Shift (work less, slow down, rest, take vacation)

7.                 Move (find ways to move mindlessly, make moving unavoidable)

8.                 Belong (create a healthy social network)

9.                 Your Tribe (make family a priority)

Read further at the following sites:

Thanks to Teri at     http://yo-yoinparadise.blogspot.com/  for the Oprah Alert!

Here’s a link to Oprah’s website with her discussion with Dr. Oz and Dan Buettner about “The Secrets of the Blue Zones” http://bit.ly/hW0Q

Here’s a link to the National Geographic website with the Blue Zone story http://bit.ly/6Uugc

Here’s a link to the Blue Zone website; http://www.bluezones.com/about

Photography by PRISCILLA MORA FLORES http://www.lightstalkers.org/priscila_mora_flores

http://www.flickr.com/photos/priscillamora/sets/72157600348629911/

Photography by MARK SCHMERLING
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sierraclub/ 

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