Agreed. Though I did have a co-worker retire about 10 years back and he also took SS early - at the age of 62. He told me flat out that he didn't expect to even live to full retirement age so he was going to enjoy life while he could. He based that on being overweight, a heavy smoker and a heavy drinker.
He lasted about three years. So I guess he made the right decision in that regard. Though it's a shame he couldn't change some life habits to get in a few more years of fishing and golf.
Speaking for myself, I'm going to try and hang in there until I'm 70 so I can max out (still about 13 years away).
What was the quote by Mickey Mantle, "If I knew I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself."
For most people..... if they begin drawing SS at age 62 instead of waiting until 65 (65 and 10 months in my case)...... they have to live to age 79 or 80 before waiting draws as much total SS money as starting early does.