On Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula, centenarians like José Bonafacio Villegas, who turns 103 on 15 May, are living proof that a simple life may be the key to longevity. Villegas has ridden a horse nearly every day for the past century, a habit he continues despite a recent ear infection that has temporarily sidelined him. 'Hope keeps you going,' he says. 'Negative thoughts annihilate.'
The peninsula is one of six global 'Blue Zones' identified by explorer Dan Buettner, where life expectancy is significantly higher than average. In Nicoya, the proportion of centenarians is about three and a half times the global norm. Buettner attributes this to factors like diet and community, but also to a concept known as 'plan de vida' – a positive reason to live that keeps seniors active.
Jorge Vindas, founder of the Nicoya Blue Zone Association, has studied these centenarians for over 15 years. He explains that plan de vida is about simplicity and a positive outlook. 'If they plant an orange tree at 90 they plan on eating the fruit,' he says. Daily goals are pure: walking to visit family, tending crops, or, for Villegas, riding a horse.
Villegas worked as a farmer on horseback until retiring at 95 – 30 years after the standard retirement age. Even after retiring, he continued to ride daily to visit sick friends. His horse, Corazon, is 28 (equivalent to an octogenarian in horse years) and has lived long, Villegas believes, because he has an easy life. Most centenarians live with family, respected as sources of wisdom, and find purpose in serving their community.
