Original: http://www.ticotimes.net/daily_paid/dailynewsarchive/2010_06/060910.htm#story3 The
Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica was ranked one of the top five
healthiest places to live in the latest issue of International Living
magazine. The publication picked the area in the northwest part of the
country due to its recognition by scientists as a "blue zone" a place
where residents often live to the age of 100.
The
magazine stated that scientists spent nine months there in 2007 to
research the longevity of people in Nicoya. The researchers determined
eight keys to their long lives:
- Diet (high in fiber foods like corn and beans)
- Water (contains "loads of calcium")
- Family (Most of the centenarians lived with others and received family support).
- Eating (Residents ate light dinners. Fewer calories contribute to a longer life.)
- Climate ( Nicoya has a dry heat. Food won't spoil quickly and citizens get plenty of vitamin D from the sun).
- Social life (Centenarians still involved in the society).
- Work (The elderly still perform chores and other types of physical work - and enjoy it).
- Purpose (The centenarians feel a part of the community, and like they are contributing to a greater good).
The
magazine caters to expatriates looking to find cheap, healthy and safe
opportunities for living abroad, with an emphasis on spots for
retirement.
Of the five healthiest
spots selected by the magazine, three are in Latin America, with two
located in Central America. The other four locations on the list were
New Zealand, the Volcán valley in Panama, Sardinia and Vilcabamba,
Ecuador.
Despite the magazine's high
acclaim for Nicoya, International Living's annual Quality of Life Index
did not place Costa Rica near the top of the rankings. The list rates
which countries, out of 194, are the best to live in. This year Costa
Rica tied for 30th with several other countries, including Panama.
France topped the list for the fifth year in a row. Australia,
Switzerland and Germany tied for second. The United States tied for
sixth. To view the rankings, click here. |