401k at 72

I just retired at 72. I had a rough life and only have $14,000 plus in a 401k from my former employer. This is the amount today and it has gone down $3000.00 in the last year. Since it is such a small amount I was thinking of taking it all out. Pay the taxes and put it in my savings account. Is this a good idea? It is in a Vanguard account but they are no help. Is there anything else that I can do to protect this small amount? Thanks so much.