Perhaps Benjamin Franklin said it best: “You don’t stop playing because you grow old… you grow old because you stop playing.”   A perfect example of that philosophy was literally played out on the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club’s courts from May 15 to 21 by a select group of amazingly agile women whose chronological age was from 90 to 100 years young, in both singles and doubles tournaments. This was the third year for these matches sanctified by the USTA, but only a year after the same category for men that was first sponsored in Palm Springs in May of 2003, at that time called the Super Seniors. As a matter of fact, Pat Yeomans, winner of the doubles team, and a computer whiz, compiled a list of two dozen women — mostly on the West Coast with its pleasant weather conditions but from as far away as Florida, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin — who might participate. She personally invited each one to join her and the six who did play in the local tournament. Several of these players also had recently entered the clay court tournaments in the Los Angeles area. Playing has been paramount for most of these women forever, most beginning to compete in tournaments well over 75 years ago. Like the Energizer Bunny, they never seem to stop! Most of the oldest age group were within driving distance of this competition. Doubles winners were Tennis Hall of Famer Dodo Cheney, playing at age 93, our local star tennis player, partnering with Jean Harris, only 92, from Carmel. Their opponents were Yeomans also 92, an L.A. resident, who joined up with the young’un of the group, Mary Hill, traveling from Claremont. At 89, she needed to turn 90 this year, September to be exact. These four, although competing against each other, are best friends and stay each year at Cheney’s home, which just happens to be near the courts. Two other participants were Bea Greene, at age 94 the oldest participant, from San Jose, and Marge Broce, age 91, who lives in San Marcos. Most of these women play two to three times a week but usually with players up to 30 years younger, male and/or female! Exercising other than tennis is important to all the women. Harris acknowledges, as does Debbie Reynolds, that she does most of her warm-ups in bed before rising in the morning. Stretch, stretch, stretch are her three admonitions. Swimming is another activity most enjoy, but they don’t need to add running to their busy schedules. Croquet is a natural sport of these still-active athletes. Another interesting observation at the courts was the normal teenager job of ball boys who quickly retrieve balls for the players. At this match, the two designated helpers were Fran McClousky, only 73, and Cindy Fedak, a mere 64. They also are tennis buffs who play as partners weekly. Winner of the grand prize trophy, and $80, was Cheney, who has captured more than 380 national championships. Some are on display at the Beach and Tennis Club. She was the oldest player against the youngest, Hill, with a score of 6-1, 6-3. Dressed in a pink-pleated lace skirt, Cheney spoke to TV and radio commentators before, during and after playing.  Bill Kellogg, sponsor of the tournament, presented the awards to all the players at the conclusion of the Women’s Games.   — Mera Kelley of La Jolla is a gerontologist.