In Italy 124 thousand pensioners continue to work: they are farmers, artisans, traders and professionals. They represent 8.5% of total pension recipients. The post-retirement work choice is characterized by a “fair continuity” with the professions previously exercised: 79% of former artisans and traders continue to work in the same field, while among former agricultural workers, 85% remain in sectors attributable to self-employment. On the other hand, retired former freelancers have as their priority work destination employment (in 66% of cases “most likely as consultants”, says the INPS) and the artisan-trade area (28%). Continuing to work after retirement are mostly men (72%), more than two-thirds have early retirement benefits, and the average retirement age is 62.9 years, slightly lower than the “threshold” of those who do not continue working (63.9 years). Continued work is more common “among those with a relatively strong pension position, as well as representing a significant economic component, which can exceed even the amount of the pension treatment”.