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    Crossword Apps

    Daily word puzzles.

    NYT Crossword

    • Gold standard.
    • $40/year subscription.
    • Daily new puzzle.
    • Mini for quick play.
    • Spelling Bee included.
    • Senior brain food.

    USA Today free

    • Free in app.
    • Daily puzzle.
    • Easier than NYT.
    • Senior-friendly start.
    • No subscription.
    • Solid quality.

    Wapo crossword

    • Free + good.
    • Sunday only.
    • Themed weekly.
    • Solid difficulty.
    • Free to play.
    • Senior favorite.

    Crosswords with Friends

    • Pop culture clues.
    • Easier puzzles.
    • Good intro.
    • Free with ads.
    • Pop culture clues.
    • Light fun.

    Variety puzzles

    • Cryptic crosswords (UK).
    • Acrostics.
    • Spelling bees.
    • Word ladders.
    • Variety = better workout.
    • Try them all.

    Senior tips

    • iPad bigger than phone.
    • Increase font size.
    • Don't check unless stuck.
    • Sleep on hard ones.
    • Morning fresh.
    • Brain proven benefit.

    Crosswords slow cognitive decline

    2022 study showed daily crosswords slow cognitive decline in seniors. NYT subscription is best $40/year senior brain investment. Free USA Today + Wapo Sunday solid backup. 30 minutes daily keeps mind sharp + vocabulary growing.