Dear Rusty: Enjoyed your recent article on claiming SS benefits. I feel, however, any decision making should also include what I call the “wearing out” factor. Yes, financial need, health, and longevity are definite criteria for a decision. The inevitable problem (I just turned 83) is the speed at which many of us descend down the back side of that hill after we hit around age 65. Yes, one might live to 85-90 but as you age after 65, many physical limitations begin to appear. Only then does one realize their earlier retirement decision (waiting to max out SS) might not have been honestly evaluated to the extent needed. I speak from experience: after having reached 60 in excellent health, I took early retirement from work, then Social Security at 62, and glad I did so. I figure the degree of slope on the backside of that “hill” will increase with age (it did quickly for me), so one best start enjoying a retirement life as soon as financially possible. Signed: Glad I claimed at 62 DearGladIClaimed at 62: Thank you very much for your excellent perspective on the “wearing out” factor. And please know that I wholeheartedly concur with your opinion that waiting for a higher Social Security benefit is not always the most prudent choice. For perspective, however, we have found that far too many people claim Social Security as soon as they are eligible at 62 simply because “it is there,” without fully analyzing whether that is the best option considering their personal circumstances.