As I celebrated another birthday, reconnected with family in Darwin and reflected on my parents' remarkable lives, I found myself wondering if we've been looking at ageing all wrong.

The best summer holidays a girl could wish for.

Our family had a little shack on the beach in rural South Australia. It had no fly screens, no running water, no electricity, a long-drop/earth toilet and plenty of flies, bugs, mice and snakes - but it provided the most unforgettable memories ever.