A man launched a legal battle in early November to reduce his age by 20 years.
Emile Ratelband, 69, a ‘positivity trainer’, wants to shift his birthday back, comparing the change to identifying as being trans-gender. ‘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.
Limitations of age
Mr Ratelband argues he feels discriminated against because of his age, and that it was affecting his employment chances and his success rate 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.’
