Warren Buffett is 95 years old.
Most people still think of him as the tireless engine behind Berkshire Hathaway, but time catches up to everyone, even the "Oracle of Omaha." He was born on August 30, 1930. Do the math, and it’s clear: he's deep into his tenth decade. It feels weird saying that. Since 1970, he’s been the face of the most successful conglomerate in history, and for many of us, he’s just always... been there.
But as of January 1, 2026, the era changed. Buffett officially stepped down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. Greg Abel has taken the wheel. Buffett is still the Chairman, but the daily grind of running a $1 trillion empire is now someone else's problem. Honestly, at 95, you’ve earned the right to stop worrying about quarterly earnings calls.
How Old Is Warren Buffett and Why Does It Matter Now?
Usually, a CEO's age is a footnote. For Buffett, it’s a global economic indicator. People have been "succession planning" for him since the 90s, which is kinda hilarious in hindsight because he outlasted almost everyone who speculated on his retirement.
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He grew up during the Great Depression. That’s not just a trivia point; it’s the DNA of his entire investing style. When you're born in 1930 and see the world collapse, you don’t buy into "hype" or "crypto" or whatever the newest shiny object is. You buy Coca-Cola. You buy American Express. You buy things people actually use when the world feels like it’s ending.
The 2026 Shift: Retirement but Not Really
Buffett’s 95th year is the big one. While he’s "retired" from the CEO post, he isn't disappearing. He’s staying on as Chairman.
- The Greg Abel Transition: Greg Abel, who is significantly younger, has been the heir apparent for years. He’s now the one making the big calls, though he’s doing it under the very long shadow of a 95-year-old legend.
- The Cash Hoard: As of early 2026, Berkshire is sitting on a record cash pile—upwards of $380 billion. Some analysts think Buffett’s age has made him more cautious. Others think he’s just waiting for the market to stop being "frothy," as he likes to say.
- The Annual Letter: We’re still getting the letters. Buffett promised a "Thanksgiving Letter" to keep communicating with shareholders.
It’s strange to think that when Buffett was 11 and bought his first stock (Cities Service Preferred), the world was a completely different place. He’s seen 16 different U.S. Presidents. He’s lived through the shift from radio to television to the internet to AI. And through it all, his "age" has mostly been a source of wisdom rather than a limitation.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Longevity
People think he’s some health nut. He isn't.
He famously drinks about five cans of Cherry Coke a day. He eats McDonald’s for breakfast—frequently choosing his meal based on how the stock market is performing that morning. If the market is down, he goes for the cheaper option. It’s a bit of a gimmick, sure, but it speaks to a guy who hasn't changed his stripes in 95 years.
There’s a lesson there. Part of why he’s stayed at the top of the game for so long isn’t just "smart investing." It’s temperament. He doesn't get rattled. While 30-year-old hedge fund managers are panic-selling during a dip, Buffett is usually sitting in Omaha, eating a steak, and waiting for things to settle.
The Future of Berkshire Post-Buffett
Can the company survive without him?
The short answer is yes. The long answer is... it’ll be different. Buffett is a cult of personality. People don't just invest in Berkshire; they invest in Warren. At 95, he’s built a machine that is designed to run without him, but the "Buffett Premium"—that extra bit of value the market gives the stock just because he’s involved—might start to fade as his role diminishes.
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Greg Abel is a "numbers guy." He’s incredibly capable, but he isn’t a folk hero. He doesn't have the "Oracle" vibe.
Actionable Insights for Investors in 2026
If you're watching Buffett's age because you're worried about your portfolio, here’s how to handle it:
- Don't Panic Sell: Buffett himself isn't selling his shares. He’s said he won’t sell a single share as he transitions out of the CEO role. If he’s confident in the transition, you probably should be too.
- Watch the Cash: Keep an eye on what Berkshire does with that $381 billion. If Abel starts spending it on big acquisitions, it means the "Buffett era" of hoarding cash is over, and a new growth phase has begun.
- Focus on "Moats": This is the core Buffett philosophy. Buy businesses that are hard to compete with. Whether Buffett is 95 or 105, that logic holds up.
- Expect Volatility: The day Buffett eventually fully departs (as Chairman), the stock will likely take a hit. That’s not a reflection of the company’s value, but a reflection of the market's emotions. It might actually be a buying opportunity.
Warren Buffett is 95. He’s seen it all. While the titles are changing, the philosophy remains the same: be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful. Honestly, that’s better advice than anything you’ll find on a "top 10 stocks to buy" list.
The most important thing to do now is to review your own portfolio's "moat." Look at your holdings and ask if they are businesses that could survive for the next 60 years, just like Berkshire did under Buffett. If they aren't, it might be time to channel your inner 95-year-old billionaire and simplify.