for tait, that's a loss of $252 every month. still... >> something coming in right now, i have to take care of my family, and that's most important thing. >> reporter: semiretired medical lab technician bobby lee says he'll apply for social security as soon as he's eligible, when he turns 62 next year. >> you'll get less but nobody tbawrchts how long you're going to live. >> reporter: lee and tait are part of a growing trend. last year, 72% of the 2.7 million new filers opted into social security early. in 2007 and 2008, 74% did, a record high. in 1980, just 57% collected early, in 1970, 47%. >> this is a remarkable program. >> reporter: michael astrue heads the social security administration and says even as more elderly americans postpone retirement, many more are having it forced upon them. >> people who would not have taken retirement benefits but for the recession are taking retirement benefits, we believe, because they have no other real choice. >> reporter: since the great recession began in december 2007, the rate of une