The secret of the centuries-old well-being of the five Blue Zones

Good nutrition, daily exercise, little stress and a lot of love. The secret of longevity is the sum mainly of these variables, as demonstrated by the Blue Zones, the ones with the highest life expectancy on the planet. A list started in 2000 by Michel Poulain, PhD in Demography from the Catholic University of Leuven. With fellow researcher Gianni Pes, he marked with a blue marker - hence the name - the areas with exceptional survival. The first, in the mountainous heart of Sardinia, in Nuoro. Later, in collaboration with National Geographic explorer Dan Buettner, author of The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who've Lived the Longest, they expanded these zones to the Japanese island of Okinawa, the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica , the tiny Greek island of Ikaria and the town of Loma Linda in California.

More centenarians live in these five locations (and better off) than in the rest of the world. Obviously genetics plays an important role, 25% according to the scientific community estimates, but, in addition, researchers discovered the formula for these outstanding regions. After years of studies and trips to the field, they concluded that consuming fresh products, following a plant-based diet (lower in fats and sugars) and stopping eating before becoming full; lead a slow daily rhythm, with responsibilities but without anxiety; doing some exercise or at least walking daily and maintaining a good relationship with family and friends, as food for the soul and the basis of happiness, were common guidelines in these areas. Its inhabitants had a life plan.

In the Netflix documentary Living 100 Years: The Secrets of the Blue Zones, Buettner himself goes through the recipes for excellent survival. "After 20 years of analysis, I can conclude that, as a common denominator, these populations have an intense, active and happy life that makes them survive longer and without making an effort," says the expert in this four-part miniseries. "For the first time in the last century, life expectancy is decreasing in the US, making more progress every day. And, in my opinion, I believe that it is not about investing in death but about learning to live," he clarifies.

With record ages and magnificent health, the regions take advantage of their extraordinary qualities to disseminate and try to export their bonanzas. Located in the Conchal Reserve, a protected natural space of 930 hectares of dry forest, mangroves and beach, monkeys, sloths, jaguars, frogs and countless exotic birds; The Westin Reserva Conchal and W Costa Rica-Reserva Conchal resorts are two oases in the middle of the Nicoya Peninsula, in the Costa Rican Pacific. "Being located in a blue zone has a significant impact on both hotels as tourist destinations. Both properties offer a vacation experience that not only focuses on luxury and comfort, but also on promoting a healthy and sustainable lifestyle , with the offer of beneficial practices, such as outdoor physical activities and gastronomic options that reflect a diet rich in natural and fresh foods," details Hernan Binaghi Complex general manager of these five stars, who considers that these conditions make the two neighboring destinations "wellness and health centers".

The inhabitants of this area, and also tourists, have at their disposal a magazine-like natural environment and a local shopping basket, full of tropical fruits, vegetables and fish. The native diet and key to their vitality, according to Buettner, "is based mainly on what is known as the Three Sisters: beans, corn and pumpkin." A diet low in calories and abundant in nutrients. The water from the entire province of Guanacaste also stands out for its quality: particularly rich in minerals, its high calcium and magnesium content strengthens bones and reduces heart diseases. Long live well-being, even on vacation.