At 95 years old, legendary investor Warren Buffett continues to defy conventional wisdom, maintaining a sharp mind and an active role as chairman of Berkshire Hathaway. While most health and wellness advice champions rigorous fitness routines and strict diets, the “Oracle of Omaha” has carved out a surprisingly simple, almost childlike, approach to longevity, reportedly spending “nil on fitness” and embracing habits that might shock health gurus.
A Birthday Milestone and Enduring Influence
Warren Buffett, born on August 30, 1930, reached his 95th birthday in 2025, marking another year of profound influence on the world of finance and an ongoing fascination with his personal habits. Despite his advanced age, Buffett remains a testament to the power of consistency, mental engagement, and perhaps, a significant dose of personal joy, over what many consider traditional health mandates.
The “Six-Year-Old” Diet: A Sweet Path to Longevity?
Perhaps the most discussed and unconventional aspect of Buffett’s routine is his diet. He famously quipped in a 2015 interview with Fortune magazine, “I checked the actuarial tables, and the lowest death rate is among six-year-olds. So I decided to eat like a six-year-old.” This playful mantra translates into a daily menu rich in items typically frowned upon by nutritionists.
Daily Dose of Delight: Coca-Cola and Fast Food
Buffett is a well-known devotee of Coca-Cola, consuming as many as five 12-ounce cans every day. He once estimated that a quarter of his daily 2,700 calories comes from the sugary beverage. His breakfast often consists of McDonald’s, with his choice of meal reportedly influenced by the stock market’s performance that morning. Options include anything from two sausage patties to a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit. Throughout the day, his palate gravitates towards other “junk food” staples such as Dairy Queen ice cream, See’s Candies, potato chips, and hot dogs.
While this diet might seem counterintuitive for a nonagenarian, Buffett firmly believes that happiness derived from his food choices contributes to his well-being. “I’m happier when I’m drinking Coke or eating hot fudge sundaes or hot dogs,” he stated in a CNBC interview.
Dismissing Traditional Fitness: A “No-Gym” Philosophy
In stark contrast to the modern emphasis on gyms and strenuous workouts, Buffett has often been vocal about his disinterest in conventional exercise. Reports suggest he “spends $0 on fitness” and “does not believe in workouts.” He has even joked about avoiding physical activity to “preserve” himself, drawing a parallel to professional athletes who suffer from wear and tear due to intense training.
However, while he eschews high-intensity regimens, some sources indicate he engages in light physical activity, such as daily walks and around 30 minutes of light exercise. The overarching theme remains clear: his approach to physical health is far from the rigorous routines promoted in popular culture, prioritizing moderation and avoiding injury.
The True Pillars of His Routine: Mental Acuity and Rest
Beyond his unique dietary and fitness choices, Buffett’s routine reveals a profound commitment to mental stimulation and adequate rest, which he considers vital for his enduring vitality.
The Power of the Mind: Reading and Bridge
Buffett reportedly dedicates a significant portion of his day—up to 80%—to reading books, newspapers, corporate reports, and trade publications. This constant intellectual engagement is a cornerstone of his decision-making process and likely plays a crucial role in maintaining his cognitive sharpness.
Another key component of his mental routine is playing bridge. He frequently engages in games of bridge, calling it “the best exercise there is for the brain.” He values the “different intellectual challenge every seven minutes” that the game provides.
Prioritizing Rest: The Eight-Hour Sleep Rule
Despite his demanding schedule overseeing a multi-billion dollar empire, Buffett ensures he gets ample sleep. He reportedly aims for eight hours of sleep every night, often going to bed around 10:45 PM. “I like to sleep. So I will usually sleep eight hours a night,” he once shared, highlighting the importance he places on restorative rest.
The Overarching Secret: Happiness and Low Stress
Ultimately, many observers and Buffett himself attribute his remarkable longevity and sustained health to a less tangible but equally powerful factor: happiness and a stress-free disposition. He maintains a famously calm demeanor, known for his long-term investment philosophy, steady hand during financial crises, and refusal to let market volatility disturb him.
This “stress-protection hypothesis” suggests that Buffett’s unusually low stress levels, coupled with a high degree of life satisfaction, could offer significant protective benefits, offsetting some of the risks associated with his unconventional diet. For Buffett, joy is not a distraction but a fundamental ingredient in his recipe for a long and impactful life.
In a world constantly seeking biohacks and extreme wellness trends, Warren Buffett’s shockingly simple, joy-driven routine at 95 serves as a compelling, albeit paradoxical, case study in healthy aging. His life demonstrates that for some, a combination of intellectual engagement, adequate rest, and genuine personal happiness might just be the most potent elixirs for a long and prosperous journey.
