English to Italian Art/Literary Poetry & Literature Fiction, XX century

In a XX century (first half) british novel, describing an old man who still wants to work and run his business the narrator says

“(and he can’t retire), they say - lives on his fees”..

I have difficulty with the expression “lives on his fees”, i can grasp the meaning, still i may need help for a precise translation

(He) lives on his fees

Thank you