Esther McCarthy: Getting older just means I’m still alive — I'm privileged to be here

I got rescued by a helicopter, hospitalised, then moved to a rehab centre to adjust to life in a wheelchair, after breaking my back and my hip.

Esther McCarthy: "I want to look like my best self, but beyond a bit of SPF, keeping an eye on my roots, and creative contouring, I don’t really have the time, money, or inclination to actually do anything more about it." Picture: Emily Quinn

I had a birthday recently. And a few people inquired if it was a roundy one. “The nerve! How very dare you!!” was my outraged reply, clutching my pearls at my saggy decolletage, as if they’d suggested I was for camogie players having to wear skorts or something. But it did make me ponder why my gut reaction was one of such indignation.

I’m pro-positive ageing, you guys. My attitude has always been “aren’t I privileged to be here?” Coming from a family where longevity hasn’t been an outstanding trait, I do have respect and gratitude that I’ve made it this far.