Applies controls as guy gets older (7)

I believe the answer is:

manages

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'applies controls' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'guy gets older' is the wordplay.
'guy' becomes 'man' (guy can informally mean a man).
'gets older' becomes 'ages' ('age' can be a synonym of 'get older').
'man'+'ages'='MANAGES'

'as' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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