The secret to Warren Buffett's longevity? It's definitely not what you think
Key Takeaways
Industry Buzz
"I think happiness makes an enormous amount of difference in terms of longevity. And I'm happier when I'm drinking Coke or eating hot fudge sundaes or hot dogs." — Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway
At 94 years old, Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, is still sharp enough to field hours of questions at shareholder meetings, despite his May 3rd announcement that he will finally be retiring at the end of 2025. []
But his long-standing reputation for thriving on sugary sodas, McDonald's, and a near-total disregard for exercise begs a legitimate question for physicians: How is he so healthy in his mid-90s—cognitively intact, actively working, and seemingly thriving both physically and mentally? []
At a time when physicians are urgently addressing aging-related decline and longevity science is a booming industry, Buffett remains an outlier. His daily habits are a paradox to modern medical advice, yet he continues to beat the odds.
His lifestyle defies the usual longevity formula
Buffett says he doesn't worry about what he eats. This includes his much-discussed five-Cokes-a-day habit, love for Dairy Queen, and frequent McDonald's breakfast orders based on the stock market’s morning performance. He also openly admits to never exercising all that much. []
Related: These surprising factors impact longevityWhile many of his peers (including his longtime business partner Charlie Munger, who passed away at 99) took a more traditional approach to aging well, Buffett attributes his longevity to staying happy, mentally engaged, and, perhaps most importantly, stress-free.
The stress-protection hypothesis
Buffett’s demeanor is famously calm. He’s known for his long-view approach to investing, his steady tone during financial crises, and his general refusal to let volatility shake him.
He doesn’t ruminate on the day-to-day drama of the market. He sleeps well. He trusts his team. In short, Buffett may be an inadvertent poster child for emotional homeostasis.
Research has long linked psychological stress with systemic inflammation, cardiovascular events, and early mortality. [] While Buffett’s diet should theoretically increase risk, his unusually low stress levels—and correspondingly high levels of life satisfaction—could offer protective benefits.
Social ties, purpose, and cognitive engagement
There’s also the question of purpose. Buffett still leads meetings, reads company reports, fields investment pitches, and mentors Berkshire Hathaway’s next generation of leaders. He famously spends most of his day reading, and continues to deliver sharp, witty commentary.
Socially, Buffett has maintained decades-long professional relationships and close family ties. He credits much of his well-being to “being surrounded by people he loves and admires.” []
That social stability, along with continued cognitive demand and a strong sense of purpose, aligns with key findings in gerontology research.
What can physicians take away?
For doctors advising aging patients, Buffett’s case is less about what to copy and more about what to contextualize.
A junk food diet and sedentary lifestyle shouldn’t be endorsed—but perhaps neither should wellness dogma that ignores the roles of psychological well-being, cognitive stimulation, and emotional regulation.
Warren Buffett is not a model of nutritional science, but he is a walking case study in how non-traditional longevity factors—like joy, purpose, autonomy, and low reactivity—can profoundly shape outcomes.
Physicians might ask: How can we help patients cultivate the Buffett mindset—even if we stop short of prescribing Coke and McNuggets?
Related: The longevity secret centenarians swear by lies in the gut