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The metate and mano, as they are known in Spanish, were used throughout Mesoamerica for the grinding of corn and seeds. By placing the kernel on the curved surface of the metate and using the mano, the cylindrical stick, to pound the kernel, the user could turn raw corn into a powder for use in making tortillas, as well as other maize-based indigenous cuisine. Similar to the nixtamalization process, grinding the corn removes the shell of the kernel,facilitating digestion.

Similar devices to these, known as mortar and pestle in English, have been found all over the world. This one, however, is the replica of a metate and mano that would have been crafted for ceremonial purposes, most likely for use in a burial. Flying-panel metates usually included the head of animal, such as this one, which has the head of jaguar.

In present-day Nicoya, these ancient devices are still utilized. Traditional food preparation techniques are a key piece of the Blue Zones puzzle. By using fresh ingredients, such as raw corn, instead of the processed versions of the same product, the people of the region maintain healthier diets. Rather than buying tortillas at the store, which would most likely contain preservatives and other chemicals, Nicoyans use the same techniques their ancestors have used, and their bodies thank them for it with longer, healthier lives.

Juan Carlos says he learns a lot about life from weekly conversations with his tatarabuela - or great-great-grandmother - Dona Juana Villargas, who just turned 100 last year. He makes it a habit to spend time with her twice a week in order to learn how people did things long ago. And with access to more than 10 decades of knowledge, it’s no wonder he is such a superstar in this town.

It’s not difficult to find Juan Carlos. In his hometown, La Mansion, not only does everyone know who he is, but they also know where to find him - on the soccer field, of course! One of his favorite things to do is merenguer – a term the locals use to describe playing ball. Eagerly willing to share his most recent accomplishment, Juan Carlos lights up and vividly describes how his team recently won the national high school soccer championship. Who knows, maybe one day he’ll play on the national team and we’ll be cheering from the stands as he leads it to a World Cup. To prepare in the meantime, he makes sure to listen to his tatarabuela’s advice and follow a healthy lifestyle, especially a healthy diet.

Every day Juan Carlos eats a hefty serving of fresh fruit and vegetables, and despite the fact that a Burger King just opened right down the street, he still prefers the local diet of beans and rice. After just one visit to the new fast food stand, he was able to note the difference. Patting his stomach and nodding his head with disapproval, Juan Carlos emphatically states “Oh, no. I don’t like hamburgers. They make you fat!” Besides, he says, he needs to stay in good shape to become a professional soccer player – oh, and to impress the young ladies!

But, Juan Carlos doesn’t let football – or the young ladies – interfere with the second most exciting activity in his life, school. Yes, you heard correctly, Juan Carlos loves to go to class! So, like students all around the globe, he wakes up at 6:30 every weekday morning and readies himself for the five-minute walk to his middle school. Once classes are over, he willingly devotes at least one hour to completing each homework assignment and preparing for the next day. Education is so important to him, when asked what message he’d like to share with other young people around the world, he says, “Take advantage of education because it’s really an opportunity. Do what you can to make the best of your life!”

It seems like Juan Carlos is already following many of the steps linked with longevity: moderate exercise, healthy eating habits, and a close relationship with family. If he keeps following the good advice of his wise tatarabuela, one day he’ll be passing along those same simple tips to his great-great-great-grandchildren.