As Rick Rickman approaches his 90th birthday, he reflects on how individual character significantly influences life at this age. Once an avid golfer, Mr. Rickman has shifted his focus to reading, writing, painting, and enjoying a drink since he can no longer play due to a knee issue.
“Golf was my passion,” reminisced the former secretary of the Fiji Golf Association. Now, his artistic endeavors in acrylic painting are dictated by his mood, stating, “I paint what I see, probably not what you see in the mirror.”
Mr. Rickman has an artistic background, having studied at the London School of Printing and Fine Arts before joining the Royal Air Force.
He attributes his longevity to his diet, particularly through the use of homemade remedies consisting of turmeric, ginger, and lemon. “Turmeric is magical,” he noted, explaining that he has used this combination for over two decades to help keep cancer at bay. He also cautions against aluminum toxicity in water, relying on a triple-filtered system at home.
“I add Irish Whiskey or Scotch to ensure its quality,” he joked. Mr. Rickman is particular about the meat he consumes, often buying whole sirloin and aging it at home, alongside pork from local suppliers.
In a controversial stance, Mr. Rickman critiques the COVID-19 vaccination, claiming that he believes a significant percentage of those vaccinated may experience heart-related issues within five years. He connects this to what he refers to as “turbo cancer,” a term used in anti-vaccination rhetoric claiming a rise in aggressive cancer types post-vaccination.
Despite his views, he clarifies that he is not anti-vaccine, having received many during his military service. He aims to see accountability for pensioners affected by past governmental actions before he turns 90, particularly regarding the Fiji National Provident Fund’s decisions in 2012.
Mr. Rickman values his local surroundings, expressing fond memories of Nadarivatu for its natural beauty and advocating for better access roads. His favorite local spot is Vuda Marina, enjoyed for its ambiance and value, where he frequently partakes in special lunches.
He prefers drinking cocoa with chili and honey at home rather than coffee, claiming it has health benefits. Having traveled extensively during his career, Mr. Rickman finds it challenging to identify a specific place in Fiji on his bucket list, as he has already explored many notable locations.