It can get a bit much when people such as Brad Pitt criticise plastic surgery as vain. He already looks like a Greek Adonis - it's not like he'll ever need to go under the knife.

Of course, not many guys over the age of 40 are as aesthetically blessed as Brad - even his mate George Clooney recently admitted he's had a bit of work done on his eyes.

But if you haven't got the bank balance or genetic code of a movie star, how are you supposed to grow old gracefully?

Say no to the mid-life crisis - our experts are on the case, with all the top grooming and health tips to keep blokes sorted after 40.

OUTLOOKIf you feel over the hill, others will consider you past it too, says life coach and youth maintenance expert Zoe Jones. If you have a healthy attitude towards the ageing process, that's half the battle.

"A mid-life crisis will only happen if you haven't kept yourself in check - it happens when someone has given in to the ageing process. Suddenly they've woken up one morning and realised they've got a pot belly and a receding hairline.

FASHIONWhile super-trendy outfits might invite mutton dressed as lamb' type comments, QVC's fashion stylist Glen Campbell says it's important to keep up with modern styles to ensure you don't look dated.

"You've got to walk away from looking like your teenage son," he warns. "You do see that a lot - an older guy wearing baggy low cut jeans, a polo shirt with a T-shirt underneath and sneakers. The last thing you want to do is look like a big kid. This season there's a strong trend for classic English tailoring, so if you take that as your starting block it's a safe bet

GROOMINGCaring for your looks can take years off your age, according to male grooming consultant Carmelo Guastella, from salon Melogy.

* Skin: Use a moisturiser every day, especially after shaving, because that's the time your skin is most affected by things such as pollution.

* Facial hair: For an older guy to look presentable you have to get rid of hair growing in the wrong places. Some guys have long eyebrows and get hairs coming from their nose and ears that look like ropes hanging down. Get it trimmed at a salon.

* Hair: If someone has completely white hair never colour it, because after a week you'd see the regrowth. If you just have a bit of grey, have a gentle colour. Some of the greys would be left, but they would be reduced by about 40-50 per cent.

HEALTHKeep your brain active - use it or lose it. Try to do a crossword or sudoku a day.