35!
I think your friend gave you some questionable advice if he said that you were too old.
Assuming you've got a Class 1 that is.
No doubt there is ageism in this industry, like many others, and it's all done below the board of course.
But I have spoken to chief pilots of major airlines and some say they take people on their merits and older people are less likely to move around as much.
Having said that, the ones I spoke to had taken the older people from CTC, CAE, FTJerez etc etc
I know someone in their late forties was recently taken on by BA at CAE on their FPP. So a risk for sure, but it can be done. Concentrate on becoming a good pilot and the rest should follow (going to one of the big schools seems to be the key though).
Best of luck with your final decision.