BEHIND THE SCENES : Age of Enlightenment for Ms. Seniors

While some beauty aficionados will try to exalt youth as an ideal, there is something to be said for the style and sophistication that come only with time. At the Orange County preliminaries for the Ms. Senior America of California Pageant at Leisure World in Laguna Hills on Sunday, 15 contestants over age 60 paraded the age of elegance.

The judges scored the contestants’ talent, philosophy of life and personal interviews, as well as their presence. The women walked about the stage in gowns, some sparkling, others classic.

Phyllis Haffner, 62, of Carmel-by-the-Sea, was crowned. Her yoga performance reflected an agility and grace that anybody would envy. She began practicing yoga 22 years ago to overcome physical problems caused by a sedentary, academic lifestyle.

She and four finalists chosen at the FHP-sponsored event will go on to compete in the state finals in March. Forty-five states participate in this 13-year-old national pageant.