Did you know there are places in the world where people not only live longer, but also enjoy better health and quality of life? These are called Blue Zones, and Costa Rica is home to one of them: the Nicoya Peninsula.
What is a Blue Zone?
Blue Zones are regions where people not only live longer but also maintain better health and well-being. The term was coined by Dan Buettner in collaboration with National Geographic, identifying five locations where life expectancy to 100 years is significantly above average: Nicoya (Costa Rica), Okinawa (Japan), Ikaria (Greece), Sardinia (Italy), and Loma Linda (USA).
These populations share nine lifestyle habits, known as the “Power 9”, that contribute to longevity:
• Natural daily movement, without needing a gym
• Purpose in life, or ‘plan de vida’ in Nicoya, which can add up to 7 years
• Stress reduction through daily rituals (naps, meditation, community)
• Mindful eating, stopping at 80% fullness (Hara Hachi Bu)
• Plant-based diet, with legumes as a staple
• Moderate alcohol consumption, usually wine
• Sense of belonging, often through religious or community life
• Family first, including intergenerational living
• Healthy social networks that reinforce positive habits
Nicoya: the longevity heart of the Americas
In Nicoya, older adults not only live longer — they live with autonomy, purpose, and a vibrant community life. Longevity here is no accident: it stems from an environment that naturally supports many of the Blue Zone principles.
🧭 They maintain a strong ‘plan de vida’: many older adults continue working the land or caring for their families, with daily meaning and purpose.
🥘 Their diet is simple and nutritious: based on corn, beans, yucca, local fruits, and fresh produce grown within the community.
💧 The water is naturally high in calcium, strengthening bones and preventing disease.
🤝 Social relationships are deep and ongoing: extended families often live on the same property, and neighbors form real support networks.
🌿 Life happens outdoors, in constant contact with nature: walking, gardening or sharing space outside is the norm.
😌 Stress is minimized: the pace is calm, problems are solved with dialogue, and people have deep trust in their environment.
Accessible healthcare and easy residency: two pillars for retiring with peace of mind
One of the greatest advantages of retiring in Costa Rica is knowing you’ll have access to a robust and affordable healthcare system. All residents, including foreigners, must enroll in the national healthcare system, the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), which offers comprehensive medical care at a low cost. Additionally, there are private prepaid options like Medismart, covering clinics and private hospitals throughout the country.
Costa Rican doctors are well known for their human and personalized approach — it’s not unusual for them to share their contact information with patients for after-hours questions. This combination of warm care, low cost, and solid infrastructure makes Costa Rica one of the most prepared countries for active aging.
Moreover, obtaining pensioner residency in Costa Rica is a simple and straightforward process. You only need to:
• Show proof of a monthly income of at least $1,000 USD from a pension.
• Enroll in the national health system (CCSS).
Contact ERP Lawyers and let us guide you through the process of obtaining your pensioner residency.
