In early 2006 , a group of researchers led by adventure writer Dan Buettner and supported by `` National Geographic Magazine '' , the National Institute on Aging , and Allianz Healthcare , designated Nicoya as a Blue Zone .
In early 2006 , a group of researchers led by adventure writer Dan Buettner and supported by National Geographic Magazine , the National Institute for Aging , and Alliance Healthcare , designated Nicoya as a Blue Zone .