Are there things that can't be ruled out in regards to making decisions about your future?
Yes, many unforseen circumstances can occur like a car accident, so your final decision may have to be based on your "best guess."
one more thing, for my ex-wife, how would these benefits be? can you switch to your own retirement benefits if you are already receiving benefits from my history?
she can do it when she turns 62 if she qualifies for retirement benefits and her benefits are higher than her surviving ex-wife benefits.