Over the last 10 years, the proportion of people in employment aged between 65 and 74 has been growing sharply, although it still represents only 5% of this age group. Compared with inactive persons of the same age, those in employment aged between 65 and 74 are more likely to be male, in good health, more qualified and living in the urban area of Paris. Wage-earning managers, alongside the self-employed and farmers, are over-represented within this group.

Compared with people in employment aged 60 to 64, those in employment aged between 65 and 74 are more likely to be self-employed and more likely to be working part-time when earning a wage. Whether self-employed or wage earners, on average they have a lower earned income.

Among people in employment aged 65 to 74, some 70% also receive a retirement pension; those who do not are more likely to be immigrants, female, in good health and living in the urban area of Paris. Employment in respect of this non-cumulative group is primarily characterised by longer working hours: 78% are in full-time work (versus 32% of those receiving a retirement pension).

With regard to people in employment beyond the age of 65, four typical profiles emerge: part-time employees with low qualifications, highly educated and highly qualified individuals living in urban areas, shopkeepers and older farmers.

Lastly, among the non-financial determinants associated with the decision to remain in employment beyond the age of 65, for those who were still in employment at that age, self-employment, the absence of limitations in terms of regular activities, the continuation of a partner’s business or a small age difference with a partner stand out as the most significant explanatory factors.