Buzz
To meet some of the world’s most well-known centenarians, I flew to Costa Rica. While most passengers from my flight likely headed straight for the beach, my team and I made our way into the dry, sunbaked hills of the Nicoya Peninsula.
There, we encountered 103-year-old Don Aniano, who still resides on the farm where he spent much of his life, now considered the adopted grandfather of the local farmers. Afterward, we traveled to a nearby village where 99-year-old Doña Dora showed me how to prepare rosquillas—a cheesy, cookie-like delicacy—in her open-air kitchen, just a day before her 100th birthday. (We brought her a cake.)
For years, researchers have been studying what contributes to the exceptional longevity of the people in this region. The most recent findings suggest a blend of factors: favorable genetics, a nutritious diet, physically demanding jobs, and a close-knit community, all of which help foster strong mental health. Additionally, Costa Rica boasts an exceptional healthcare system with a focus on preventive care. In this episode of Hack the World, we explore the Nicoyan lifestyle and ask the centenarians themselves what it’s like to live to 100.
