Warren Buffett's Secrets to Longevity at 95: How the Oracle of Omaha Thrives with Simple, Unconventional Habits

At 95, Warren Buffett, the legendary investor known as the Oracle of Omaha, continues to challenge conventional wisdom on aging and longevity. While most wellness advice emphasizes strict diets, intense fitness routines, and biohacking, Buffett follows a far simpler and highly unconventional approach. His lifestyle combines indulgent eating, intellectual stimulation, consistent sleep, and happiness-driven choices—factors that collectively sustain his health, mental clarity, and vitality.Despite managing a trillion-dollar empire, Buffett maintains a cheerful disposition and remarkable cognitive sharpness, proving that longevity is as much about lifestyle balance and emotional well-being as it is about diet or exercise.Buffett’s longevity secret, famously articulated in a 2015 Fortune interview, is simple: “Eat like a six-year-old.” He observed that six-year-olds statistically have the lowest mortality rates and adopted their carefree approach to eating as reported by Fortune Magazine.Why this works:Buffett’s childlike approach emphasizes joy and moderation in eating habits, which may indirectly promote long-term health by reducing stress and improving adherence to enjoyable routines.One of Buffett’s most unconventional habits is drinking five 12-ounce cans of Coca-Cola every day. In his own words: “If I eat 2,700 calories a day, a quarter of that is Coca-Cola. I do it every day.”Health perspective:This habit exemplifies Buffett’s broader philosophy: prioritize pleasure and satisfaction without guilt.Buffett starts his day at McDonald’s, spending roughly $3.17 on breakfast. His options rotate between:All meals are complemented with Coca-Cola, illustrating his unique approach of combining joy and routine.Why it matters:Buffett’s lunch continues his indulgent pattern. He frequently visits Dairy Queen, enjoying:Analysis:High sugar and salt intake, while traditionally considered unhealthy, may have minimal impact when balanced by other factors such as sleep, mental activity, and emotional satisfaction.This approach highlights the principle of balanced indulgence: enjoying favorite foods without compromising overall life satisfaction.Despite his indulgent diet, Buffett compensates with a consistent sleep schedule, regularly clocking eight hours per night.Impact on health:Buffett actively stimulates his mind through Bridge, a complex card game, and extensive reading.Cognitive benefits:Bill Gates has noted that Buffett schedules days with no planned activities, allowing him to rest, reflect, or pursue hobbies.Importance of rest:These deliberate pauses reinforce the value of balance, emphasizing that rest is as important as work or mental exercise.Above all, Buffett credits his vitality to happiness. In a 2017 CNBC interview, he said:“I think happiness makes an enormous amount of difference…in terms of longevity. I’m happier when I’m eating hot fudge sundaes or drinking Coke.”Scientific insight:Buffett’s emphasis on joy underscores a broader lesson: longevity is not solely a matter of diet or exercise, but also emotional satisfaction and purposeful living.Warren Buffett’s lifestyle demonstrates that living a long, healthy, and productive life is not about adhering to strict diets or expensive fitness routines. Instead, it emphasises balance, mental stimulation, happiness, and the ability to enjoy life, proving that unconventional habits can lead to extraordinary longevity.Also Read | Bill Clinton seen with defibrillator at Hamptons airport sparking public concern; here’s what it reveals about his heart health and lifestyle choices