A 69-year-old pensioner who says he identifies as a 45-year-old is taking action to legally change his age.

Dutch entrepreneur Emile Ratelband says he has the body of a 45-year-old so he's trying to legally change his age to improve his job prospects and luck with women on Tinder.

He is hoping he will be able to change his date of birth from 11 March 1949 to 11 March 1969 after his doctors said he had the body of someone more than 20 years younger than himself.

The self-proclaimed "young god" argues that if transgender people are legally allowed to change their sex then he should be allowed to change his age.

The "trans-aged" man is now taking action against his local authority after it refused to change his age on official documents.

Mr Ratelband told De Telegraaf:

You can change your name. You can change your gender. Why not your age? Nowhere are you so discriminated against as with your age.

He added:
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.


Mr Ratelband, a media personality in his home country, said he would give up his pension if the courts rules in his favour.

The case has gone to a court in Arnhmen, Gelderland, Netherlands, where it is expected to give a ruling within four weeks.