With an area of more than 2,500 square miles and a population of just 132,000, nearly 5,000 of its inhabitant are over the age of 75. The study also found that Costa Rican males have a longer life expectancy on average than their counterparts the world over. This means that a Costa Rican man who reaches his 80th birthday will, on average, live 8.2 years longer than if he resides in Japan, the U.S. or Iceland. If he reaches 90, he will, on average, outlive his counterparts in those countries by 4.4 years
The phenomenon of longevity drew the attention of writer Dan Buettner, founder of Bluezones.com. His mission is to identify what he terms “blue zones,” or areas of greater longevity around the globe; not only areas where people live longer, but also where they seem to enjoy better health than those who live in surrounding areas
He and his team, with the support of National Geographic and Allianz Life, corroborated in 2007 the accuracy of the data in Costa Rica and also identified a blue zone in the Nicoya Peninsula where the residents likewise live longer on average than those in the rest of the country. Other blue zones internationally include Sardinia (Italy), Okinawa (Japan) and the valley of Loma Linda, California (USA)
According to scientists, genetic factors play only a 25% role in determining how long we live. The rest is determined by our lifestyle and daily habits. One thing that means is that even though you don't live in Nicoya, you can still apply some of the research findings to increase your longevity. Besides specific factors in the region such as water rich in calcium, that strengthens bones, and a diet rich in fruits and hominy (nixtamal) with their antioxidants, niacin, and amino acids, there are other secrets one can adopt which have to do with how these people approach life
Living in extended families, having faith and engaging in physical labor that keeps them in shape are three more pieces of the longevity puzzle of the Nicoyans, factors that also help them to live a life that has direction, meaning and connection to others. Such a lifestyle brings about happiness, which in turn raises endorphin levels and strengthens the immune system
Apparently, the people of Nicoya are not only concerned with their own lives, but see themselves as connected to others and stay active and seek to learn new things throughout their life span. And so they get to add a new candle each year to the cake
Link لينک ۱۷:۴۷ همايون خيري 
