Retirement comes with medicare in the US, so there is somewhat reasonable health insurance.

> The maximum possible Social Security benefit in 2020 depends on the age you begin to collect payments and is: $2,265 at age 62. $3,011 at full retirement age (65-68). $3,790 at age 70.

While many do retire on less, they also contributed less over the years and so are used to living on less. However we can safely say that if you only get $2000/month you retired too early and this should have been an intentional choice - retire early to a lower standard of living.

You realize that's $24k/yr right

More than the vast majority of the world lives on, including many in first world countries. And this is pre govt transfers, which usually amount to quite a bit more in benefits.

Hey, live like there's no tomorrow, isn't that part of the American Dream? :D