I’ve heard this rhetoric from guys in their 20s and 30s. I’m like... really? 
Remember when you were 20? You are physically invincible. You are still getting better.
The age of 40 seemed far, far, away.
Joe Ladnier likely felt that way when he was 20-30s. Now he is paying the price.
I'm sure he'd make other choices if he could go back, regardless of what macho BS he might say, not that I'm aware he has said it.
Age 35 is the point when I felt my body crossed over to the downhill slope. A barely noticeable shift.