I know what you mean about your age, i am in the same boat just a couple months older than you. I am going to get an magnifying glass with light and hope that helps.
I have used both rev. and crown saw blades. both by Olson I use the crown cut blades on thicker stock 3/4 and larger. With olson's blades I don't have to sand the ends and use alcohol I used Olson right out of the container. and they don't rust even over the winter.. other than that there isn't enough difference I get about 1 hour out of each
I do not like spirals, tried them once and sent my blades to Amazing Kevin, You have to take time to learn them, at 76 i don't have that much time left.
Welcome Joe here is a few tips. Wax the saw table- But good blades snot box store lots, j Olson's blades or Flying Dutchman I per fer Olson's and a foot pedal. I also use a awl to enlarge the hole on the underside of the work this helps to guide the blade in..but most of all sit back ad enjoy your new hobby
cut a circle in a 3/4 piece of wood and see if it can be removed from either side if it can't the blade and table are not square with each other unless you are using box store blades, then it's a different story.
There is several little things to remember Get some past auto wax and wax the table. Do not think that the way to cut is with the machine at full . i use at about 1/2 speed. I use an awl on the holes to guide the blade into the hold. do the easy patterns and work your way up to the advance level patterns. TAKE YOUR TIME.