The solution to fixing SS is not difficult. It is VERY unpleasant and VERY unpopular politically. The method to a more stable, sound and strong SS system includes
-Older retirement age
-greater contributions by both employee and employer
-means testing for the wealthiest
For the first, since Americans are living longer, the age for full benefits must rise, to, perhaps 70. Payouts before then are at reduced amounts. (Remember: 65 years of age for full benefits was selected because at the time SS was developed, the percentage of Americans who lived that long was low. The reasoning was not far from that in 'The Hunger Games'.)
For the second, the cost of living in America without having cat food as a staple of one's diet is much higher than was ever anticipated. And the employer's portion is needed to spread around to more people, especially those at the bottom, who are otherwise left uncovered by the SS plan for payments in and out.
For the third, there comes a point where people are just too well off to need SS on which to live--they have other assets, savings and retirement income sources. Those folks should get what they paid in, and very little more, because others in this country need financial support more. And for those rich folks who would disagree, I remind you that it is better to provide financial support for others to eat and sleep indoors than to have them eat you and live in your home afterward.
Will such changes ever happen? Doubtful, even at this late hour.
And that, kids, is how millions in Red States starved or rose up to take from rich city folk, and were gunned down in the streets for their efforts...