Rick Rickman, who is approaching his 90th birthday, believes that an individual’s character significantly influences their experience of aging. Once an avid golfer, Rickman now spends his free time engaged in reading, writing, occasional painting, and enjoying drinks, especially after an injury sidelined him from the sport he loved.
“Golf used to be my passion,” shared Rickman, former secretary for the Fiji Golf Association. His artistic endeavors include acrylic painting, which he describes as a reflection of his perception rather than reality. “I paint what I see, probably not what you see in the mirror,” he noted, adding that his work is influenced by his mood.
Before his various roles, including chairman for Fiji Airports, Rickman studied at the London School of Printing and Fine Arts. He reminisced about his early career choices, saying, “When I left school at 15, I went to the London School of Printing and Fine Art for three years; it’s now a university with some fancy name.”
In terms of health, Rickman attributes his longevity to his dietary choices, particularly his consumption of protein and wine. He strongly advocates for a homemade blend of turmeric, ginger, and lemon for health benefits. “Turmeric is magical,” he stated, mentioning that he has used this remedy for over two decades to help manage cancer.
Rickman takes precautions regarding water quality, using a triple-filtered system in his home to avoid aluminum toxicity. Additionally, he is particular about his meat choices, often purchasing whole sirloin steaks to age them for tenderness. He shared tips for aging steak at home and mentioned that he enjoys local pork and beef products.
On the topic of vaccinations, Rickman expressed his concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, suggesting that a percentage of vaccinated individuals may face health issues like myocarditis or blood clots. He refers to these potential side effects as the “vax reaper” effect. While Rickman acknowledges he is not anti-vaccine, he emphasizes that he hasn’t taken the COVID-19 vaccines and believes in the body’s ability to build its own immunity through a healthy diet.
Rickman, who contracted COVID-19 in 2021 but has since recovered, voiced his hopes for accountability regarding pension issues that he feels have been overlooked by the current government. As he prepares to celebrate his 90th birthday in November, he hopes to see justice for pensioners affected by actions taken in 2012.
When reflecting on favorite places in Fiji, Rickman fondly mentioned Nadarivatu for its unspoiled environment and Vuda Marina for its ambiance and affordability. He also enjoys homemade cocoa, prioritizing health through natural remedies like apple cider vinegar, which he says can help with kidney stones.
Despite his extensive travels, Rickman has already explored many destinations in Fiji, making it difficult to identify any new places he wishes to visit.