69-Year-Old Man Sues To Change His Age To 49 To Avoid Discrimination On Dating Apps

A Dutchman who sued the government for the right to legally change his age from 69 to 49 has lost in court and will unfortunately have to remain his actual age. Emile Ratelband hoped to shave two decades off his age in order to avoid discrimination on dating apps but received backlash when he compared his desire to claim he’s younger with the rights of transgender people to legally change their gender. Seems like the courts didn’t agree.

  1. Ratelband believes he should have the right to choose his age. His argument is an extension of the idea of self-determination. “We live in a time when you can change your name and change your gender. Why can’t I decide my own age?” he said, according to BBC News. Clearly he’s being a bit obtuse here.
  2. He felt discriminated against in many areas of life. There’s no doubt that ageism is a serious problem and a terrible one at that, and it’s something Ratelband regularly experiences. “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,” he explained.
  3. He even feels 20 years younger. According to Ratelband, not only does he feel great but even his doctors have told him that his physical body is more like someone in their 40s than someone who’s nearly 70. Good for him, to be fair.
  4. Changing your age has many other implications, hence the court’s refusal. The argument against Ratelband suit was largely based on the fact that age determines many things which would be complicated by him changing his. “Mr. Ratelband is at liberty to feel 20 years younger than his real age and to act accordingly,” the judges said, but making a legal change would have “undesirable legal and societal implications.”
  5. If Ratelband was allowed to become younger, what’s to stop someone from being older? There are certain laws in place prohibiting things by age, so if Ratelband was allowed to shave 20 years off his age, what’s to stop a teenager from changing their age to be 10 years younger so they could legally drive, smoke, etc? That’s where things get sticky and why it’s a no-go.
Bolde has been a source of dating and relationship advice for single women around the world since 2014. We combine scientific data, experiential wisdom, and personal anecdotes to provide help and encouragement to those frustrated by the journey to find love. Follow us on Instagram @bolde_media or on Facebook @BoldeMedia
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