A SINGLE pensioner in the Netherlands has launched a legal battle to reduce his age by at least two decades so he can attract more women on dating app Tinder.
Emile Ratelband, 69, argues that if transgender people are allowed to change their legal sex, he should be allowed to change his date of birth because doctors said he has the body of a 45-year-old.
The motivational speaker, a well-known media personality in Holland, is suing his local authority after they refused his application to amend his age.
His case has now gone been referred to a court in the city of Arnhmen in the eastern Dutch province of Gelderland.
Mr Ratelband, who was born on March 11, 1949, says he feels at least 20 years younger and is pushing for his birth date to be altered to March 11, 1969 or later.
The Dutch entrepreneur, who has converted to Buddhism, said: "I have done a check-up and what does it show? My biological age is 45.
Emile Ratelband, 69, previously converted to Buddhism - because he could (Image: Twitter)"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.
"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.
"Transgender people can now have their gender changed on their birth certificate, and in the same spirit there should be room for an age change."
Mr Ratelband claims he is discriminated against because of his age and encounters problems in Dutch society on a daily basis.
He said employers are reluctant to hire someone as old as a pensioner as a consultant.
And he added that a change to his age would also be good news for the Dutch government as he would be renouncing his pension until he reaches retirement age again.
The judge presiding over Mr Ratelband's case said he had some sympathy for his plight, but found there would be practical problems in allowing people to change their DOB - as it would mean legally deleting a significant portion of their lives.
The court is due to deliver a written ruling within four weeks.
