Solution for 19 May cryptic crossword clue

Coping with growing old (7,2)

Solution – getting on

This is an example of a double definition clue.  See the sidebar for a link to a post with more explanation of this type of clue.

Clearly “growing old” can mean the same as “getting on”.  But “getting on” has other possible meanings including making progress or managing.  It is in this sense that “coping” is used.