A Dutch pensioner and self proclaimed "young god" has started legal proceedings to have his birthday changed from 11 March 1949 to 11 March 1969. He believes it will improve his chances both in the workplace and on Tinder.
Emile Ratelband is a TV personality and something of a celebrity of his home country of the Netherlands.
Mr Ratelband says that when he is 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".
He has brought his claim to the court in Arnhem, just South East of Amsterdam, and, if successful, it would mean that Mr Ratelband would be compelled to surrender his state pension.
Although a decision is expected within 4 weeks, Mr Ratelband’s claim is unlikely to be successful. There is no legal mechanism for a person to change their birth date.
“You can change your name. You can change your gender. Why not your age? Nowhere are you so discriminated against as with your age.”
According to Mr Ratelband’s own website, “His age focus is to turn at least 94 years old and to then leave this world healthy and with pleasure when it has become a better place for everyone”.
His website does not state whether his self imposed limit of 94 years of age is actual years, or self identified years.