If they decline, then they're a senior, but not a patriot. Better patriots than you and I have given the last full measure of sacrifice for their country.
When it comes to our military veterans, that's a different equation. They've earned our everlasting gratitude in gold for what they've done to secure the blessings of liberty for the rest of us. In my mind, we owe them whatever pensions and benefits Congress deems equitable and compensatory.
Several of those patriots in my family. They didn’t die to preserve my SS benefit. I would not hesitate to forgo it if it meant supporting what they died for. I despise all of the welfare schemes that have enfeebled our ability to live our lives free from government “assistance”.
You realize that Veterans draw Social Security right?