The Victor Harbor resident will celebrate his 88th birthday on the eighth day of the eighth month in 2008.

Easy-going Dick claims he is apprehensive of the excitement surrounding his birthday tomorrow.

"It's only a coincidence; my mother was just clever," he said.

His wife Joan, however, knows better.

"He's spoken about nothing else in the past month - he's been telling everybody," she said.

According to Chinese superstition, the number eight brings good luck and fortune.

The opening of the Olympics in Beijing will therefore coincide with Dick's 88th birthday.

Don't expect Dick, however, to forgo his birthday celebrations for the event.

"It doesn't do much for me, I'd rather watch the football or cricket," he said.

"There's too many sports in the Olympics, it's ridiculous.

"They even have trampolining - I can't believe it".

Dick and Joan will instead enjoy lunch with 15 friends at the Hotel Crown and later kick up their heels for happy hour at Rosetta Village.

Fit as a "Mallee bull" according to his wife, Dick lists his regular 7am walks, summer swims and social rounds at the golf course as the key to his longevity.

"I never think I'm that old, I feel like I'm 40 or 50," he said.

"We joke about it and we still have tough times, but everything comes out okay".

Joan attributes Dick's happy life to something else.

"Life has gone beautifully thanks to his loving wife," she joked.

"The violins are coming out now," Dick responded.

Having celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary last week, the pair is also privy to the secret of a long marriage.

"It's compatibility, even though I can't spell it," Dick said.

Preparing for a day of cake-eating tomorrow, Dick looks forward to spending the weekend with his two sons, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren in Goolwa.