In Nicoya they…
Are physically active throughout the day as they have to get around by walking or riding horses in steep, rough terrain.
What we can do:
- Get 30-60 minutes of exercise daily, either outside or by joining a class. This keeps us fit and lean and is good for bone and cardiovascular health as well as blood sugar regulation and immunity.
In Nicoya they…
Have a plan de vida – a reason for getting up each morning. They have a positive view of life, a ‘can-do’ attitude and a strong work ethic. Work has meaning in Nicoya and other longevity hot spots like it because it is done for the family and therefore has immediate, tangible benefits. Nicoyans are poor, but they have all they want.
What we can do:
- Give purposefulness to our lives by thinking about what we really want to do and pro-actively finding ways of doing it, even if it means less material gain. Making a plan for the day can be helpful if we are feeling unmotivated.
In Nicoya they…
Enjoy being with and providing for their families and remain close to one another. Nicoyans participate in family life, and so feel needed even when old, which keeps them going. Very old people also have daughters or granddaughters to look after them lovingly and do not have to spend their last years in retirement homes.
What we can do:
- Try to make time for family and look after older members of the family by giving them tasks, encouraging them to stay active, and making them feel needed. We will be there ourselves one day, and most of us would wish for the younger generation to do the same for us!
In Nicoya they…
Breathe fresh ocean breezes and clean mountain air.
What we can do:
- Try to spend time in the outdoors in unpolluted areas at the weekends and when on vacation; invest in home air purifying system if necessary.
In Nicoya they…
Have a low-stress (though active and busy) lifestyle in a beautiful location where the sun shines, people are friendly, and music is often playing.
What we can do:
- Try to make time to relax and de-stress and to visit places and people just for the pleasure of it; put music on in a traffic jam, stay busy but keep within our limits so as not to wear out our adrenals.
In Nicoya they…
Are very sociable and drop in on each other regularly.
What we can do:
- Make time for friendships and try to enjoy the company of other like-minded people.
In Nicoya they…
Get plenty of anti-cancer, bone-friendly vitamin D from being out in the sunshine.
What we can do:
- Try to get 20 minutes of sunlight daily. Strong sun and excessive sunbathing should be avoided, but gentle sunlight in moderation has important health benefits which may be reduced if sun block is always used.
In Nicoya they…
Believe in God, which gives them a sense that a greater power is in charge of live events and that there is therefore no point in worrying.
What we can do:
- Practice our faith or explore our spirituality or philosophy so as to make peace with the hand life deals us.
In Nicoya they…
Are not distracted by television or radio, and therefore go to bed at dusk and get up at dawn, thus keeping in tune with their circadian rhythms. Most get an average of 8 hours’ quality sleep each night.
What we can do:
- Try to keep regular sleep patterns and go to bed before 10pm so as to ensure restful sleep. Have an ‘electronic sundown’ by turning off the television earlier in the evening, or find another relaxing activity – reading and doing hobbies are actually more therapeutic and restful than watching television which can be enervating.
