There is a good chance that you know someone approaching retirement. Many seniors are leaving the workforce due to the aging baby boomers or struggling businesses. The number of retirees is only going to increase — almost 6,000 Americans reach 65 each day.

For many former workers, retirement is a major transition. Many people have difficulty deciding what their next steps should be. It’s not surprising that 65 is the retirement age. This was in the late 1800s. People today will live for decades after retiring from the workforce.

Longer lives mean higher expenses. Many retirees will have to find second jobs in order pay their bills. Half of employees do not receive pensions. The falling stock market has also wiped out many retirement funds.

These are some of the possible uncertainties to consider when planning or attending a retirement party. You might not be able to express your appreciation to someone who has been forced into an early retirement. It is more appropriate to express your gratitude for the opportunity to work with the retiree.

It is acceptable to acknowledge the contributions of a retiree. You can choose a gift that will be a lasting tribute to the retiree’s work such as a wall plaque or pen holder. PlaqueMakerPlus.com has heirloom-quality acrylic pieces, including engraved images and imbedded photos. You can create a gift for any age by designing it yourself.

Retirees today are more likely to choose to remain active and pursue new career paths that match their interests.

Keep this in mind and treat your retirement as a transition to a new, more rewarding phase of your life than an exit from work. Talk to your friend and spouse to find out about their retirement plans. You might give them a gift card to a bookstore if they are planning to go back to school.