"Longevity protocol" - Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary shares key life lessons for the younger generation

Kevin O’Leary, best known for his role as an investor on Shark Tank, shared a direct message to younger audiences on May 25, 2025, in a video posted on his Instagram account. In the video, O’Leary, 70, discussed sleep, health habits, and mindset—emphasizing how longevity and clarity play a role in success.

“Most of them are on these longevity protocols because they know they've got to keep the mind sharp,” he said, referring to top investors and managers.

Citing personal practices and tracking tools, he urged his audience to adopt long-term thinking and avoid self-sabotaging habits.

O’Leary specifically called attention to the impact of alcohol, poor diet, and tobacco on sleep and appearance—connecting it to professional image and mental performance.

“You need to not drink before you go to bed,” he said, advising viewers to make room for quality REM sleep.

Key lessons from Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary’s longevity protocol

On May 25, 2025, through a video on Instagram, Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary detailed practical advice to those in their 20s. He began by reflecting on how he would act differently if he could go back to that age, focusing heavily on sleep quality.

“If I wish I could go back and be 20 years old, would I have acted differently? You learn a lot about sleep, for example,” O’Leary said. “If you can get seven and a half hours of sleep a night with a decent amount of REM, you get tremendous energy the next day and you're much sharper in executional skills.”

He emphasized that alcohol is a major disruptor of quality sleep and encouraged young people to start tracking their sleep using tools like the Aura Ring. He explained that monitoring sleep data makes it clear how much alcohol interferes with rest.

He advised avoiding drinking close to bedtime, suggesting a three-hour window between the last drink and sleep to give the body time to process the alcohol. Otherwise, it can elevate the heart rate and diminish REM sleep. Diet and smoking were also central topics. O’Leary was clear in his message:

“We eat too much crappy food in America, food you shouldn't eat. Too much sugar, too much salt, too much glucose, too much of everything because we didn't think about it.”

The Shark Tank investor went on to describe his idea of an ideal dinner, saying that when he dines out, he typically opts for fish and a salad dressed with olive oil and lemon. He added that he might treat himself to a bite of key lime pie to finish the meal. He also addressed smoking with a blunt warning.

“The other one is don't smoke. If you're smoking, you're an idiot. You're 100% stupid. That is just going to make your ability to execute [worse] and it will also age you,” he said.

He connected this perspective to professional image and personal branding, especially for entrepreneurs. He emphasized that it's important to care about appearance while aging because it reflects one's persona. As an entrepreneur, he said, maintaining a healthy look contributes to the overall aura that others perceive.

Kevin O’Leary explains his portfolio approach to life and business

Kevin O’Leary, known for his role on Shark Tank, applies a “portfolio approach” to both his business ventures and personal decisions. In a 2022 interview with CNBC Make It, he explained that this strategy involves avoiding full commitment to any single risk while focusing only on pursuits that hold personal meaning.

The approach stems from a desire for independence, inspired by being fired from his first job. O’Leary said the entrepreneurial journey is about controlling your own future.

The Shark Tank star remains consistent in applying these lessons across all areas of life.

“But I keep moving forward,” O’Leary said, emphasizing long-term thinking and perseverance.

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Shark Tank airs every Friday on ABC at 8 pm EST.

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