I agree entirely. It's amazing how tone deaf one can get to this advice, people kept giving it to me.
I'm 33 (soon to be 34), and fitter than I ever was in my 20s, with more energy.
Difference? Eating differently (low carbs, high protein), and exercising 3 times a week.
I also stopped smoking a year ago.
Quality of sleep is also way up there now.