Retirement tax questions

You are confusing two things.  If you earn more than a certain amount when you are younger Social Security reduces what they pay you.  But the part of Social Secuirty that is taxable depends on your Socail Security income and your other income and whether you are married, but it doesn't depend on age.  As income increases, the percentage of the Social Security benefit which is taxable goes from zero to 85%, depending on income.