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The Nicoya region of Costa Rica: a high longevity island for elderly males

Author

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  • Luis Rosero-Bixby
  • William H. Dow
  • David H. Rehkopf

Abstract

Reliable data show that the Nicoyan region of Costa Rica is a hot spot of high longevity. A survival follow-up of 16,300 elderly Costa Ricans estimated a Nicoya death rate ratio (DRR) for males 1990–2011 of 0.80 (0.69–0.93 CI). For a 60-yearold Nicoyan male, the probability of becoming centenarian is seven times that of a Japanese male, and his life expectancy is 2.2 years greater. This Nicoya advantage does not occur in females, is independent of socio-economic conditions, disappears in out-migrants and comes from lower cardiovascular (CV) mortality (DRR = 0.65). Nicoyans have lower levels of biomarkers of CV risk; they are also leaner, taller and suffer fewer disabilities. Two markers of ageing and stress—telomere length and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate—are also more favourable. The Nicoya diet is prosaic and abundant in traditional foods like rice, beans and animal protein, with low glycemic index and high fibre content.

Suggested Citation

  • Luis Rosero-Bixby & William H. Dow & David H. Rehkopf, 2013. "The Nicoya region of Costa Rica: a high longevity island for elderly males," Vienna Yearbook of Population Research, Vienna Institute of Demography (VID) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna, vol. 11(1), pages 109-136.
    • Handle: RePEc:vid:yearbk:v:11:y:2013:i:1:p:109-136
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    1. Michel Poulain & Anne Herm & Gianni Pes, 2013. "The Blue Zones: areas of exceptional longevity around the world," Vienna Yearbook of Population Research, Vienna Institute of Demography (VID) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna, vol. 11(1), pages 87-108.
    2. Jules Pretty & Mike Rogerson & Jo Barton, 2017. "Green Mind Theory: How Brain-Body-Behaviour Links into Natural and Social Environments for Healthy Habits," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-19, June.
    3. Sebastian Klüsener & Rembrandt D. Scholz, 2013. "Regional hot spots of exceptional longevity in Germany," Vienna Yearbook of Population Research, Vienna Institute of Demography (VID) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna, vol. 11(1), pages 137-163.
    4. Daria A. Kashtanova & Anastasiia N. Taraskina & Veronika V. Erema & Anna A. Akopyan & Mikhail V. Ivanov & Irina D. Strazhesko & Alexandra I. Akinshina & Vladimir S. Yudin & Valentin V. Makarov & Serge, 2022. "Analyzing Successful Aging and Longevity: Risk Factors and Health Promoters in 2020 Older Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-22, July.

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