‘YOUNG GOD’

69-Year-Old Dutch Man Is Suing to Lower His Age by 20 Years

Emile Ratelband argued that his age is dampening his prospects on Tinder.

A 69-year-old Dutch man is suing to legally make himself 20 years younger to boost his dating prospects, BBC News reports. Emile Ratelband told a Dutch newspaper he wanted to change his birthday from March 11, 1949, to March 11, 1969, because he felt an age bias—particularly when trying to obtain employment or find prospects on the dating app Tinder. “When I’m 69, I am limited. If I’m 49, then I can buy a new house, drive a different car. I can take up more work,” he said. “When I’m on Tinder and it says I’m 69, I don’t get an answer. When I’m 49, with the face I have, I will be in a luxurious position.” Ratelband also likened the age change to legally changing genders. “You can change your name. You can change your gender. Why not your age?” he said. Ratelband reportedly argued his doctors said he has a 45-year-old’s body, and he called himself a “young god.” BBC News also reported Ratelband was willing to give up his pension for the age change. A local court near Amsterdam will reportedly rule on the lawsuit within four weeks.