The value of friendship was the theme of the invocation Ladner Rotary member Carol LeVasseur gave at the September 1, 2026 meeting of Rotary Club of Ladner. Friendship and Fellowship are key benefits all of us experience as Rotary members. Carol quoted extracts from the book, Simple Principles To Feel Better & Live Longer, summarized in these notes:
* Strong friendships are linked to longer life expectancy, sometimes more strongly than relationships with family members.
* Friends positively influence health habits by encouraging healthy eating, physical activity, and avoiding harmful behaviors.
* Friendships provide emotional support, acceptance, and encouragement that help people cope with stress, loss, and life's challenges.
* Meaningful social connections contribute to both improved well-being and increased longevity.
* The document suggests that women may live longer in part because they tend to build and maintain friendships more effectively.
