Given a choice between George Clooney and Prince William - two men on every most-eligible-bachelor list worldwide - I'd choose 42 year-old Clooney, pants down, over the prince who's exactly half his age.

That's a bold statement, considering William is rich, handsome, destined to be king - and about the same age as me. But then again, I'm like a lot of young women: the men I should be attracted to rarely interest me.

Of course, age alone doesn't make a man sexy. Fact is, right around age 35, men start to fall into two categories: attractive bachelor or pathetic single guy. (Or, if he's married with kids: the Eric Bana set.) The Clooneys and Banas of this world attract the admiring glances of younger women because they've cultivated some of these characteristics.

He's experienced, but not fatherly.
An older man has sampled enough of life to know how to navigate roadblocks. He has wisdom to share. He's a problem-solver, but doesn't try to solve his lover's troubles. He listens to her, supports her decisions and offers his solutions if - and only if - she asks for them.

He's intelligent, yet hip.
He discusses the post-modern complexities of Blade Runner and the social implications of punk rock, not the differences between seed and venture capital.

He's successful, but not flashy.
He's a man who has something to show for his life - a career he's passionate about, a home and relationships. He's invested in the world, financially and figuratively. His success is sexy; it's subtle and speaks for itself.

He's in shape and healthy.
He exercises and eats heathily, but not just for vanity's sake. He cares about his health and his future and has given up smoking and binge drinking. A man who takes care of himself is capable of taking care of other people - say, future children.

He's stylish, but also age-appropriate.
This man has developed a classic and unique style that reflects his age and status in life. He knows the value of quality clothing and good tailoring and knows how to spend money well. He would know how to select elegant lingerie for a present.

He acknowledges his age, but doesn't focus on it.
When he dates a younger woman, it's not because he gets off on the fact that she's 22 and he's 42. He doesn't patronise her with endless conversations about the age difference.

He makes me dream about taking him to bed.
An older man presumably has had enough sex to figure out exactly what women want in bed. He's polite and discreet; his intentions and ability to follow through on them are telegraphed through a knowing twinkle in his eye.

He knows what he wants.
He's passed the waffling, what-do-I-do? stage. When he wants a woman, he tells her. And not surprisingly, often gets her.

By Lisa Jones