Going back in time might become a reality, at least on paper, if a man's lawsuit is decided in his favor. Emile Ratelbald has an issue with being described as 69, and he wants the court to allow him to change his age to 49 years legally.

The Dutchman took his grievances to a Netherlands court. He wants his age reduced by 20 years.

The man's peculiar lawsuit probably has something to do with the fact that he feels too young for his age. He regularly describes himself as a "young god."

For this reason, he thinks that having his age changed would be a better reflection of the era he believes himself to be at the moment.

It's Not A Publicity Stunt

When the media came asking what he was up to, Emile insisted that this had nothing to do with wanting some publicity.

However, he hopes that by changing his age, he will do better in the dating game. He won't mind the improved chances of buying better cars and houses and getting more attractive job opportunities either.

As a 69-year-old, he feels that his real age limits his youthful mind:

So when I ask for a mortgage, for example, they say it's impossible. If I go on Tinder, then I get women from 68, 69 when women are there.

But also, he wonders why changing his age should be an issue if changing gender is now so commonplace:

Nowadays, in Europe and the United States, we are free people. We can make our own decisions if we want to change our name or if we want to change our gender. So I want to change my age. My feeling about my body and my mind is that I'm about 40 or 45.

No Such Luck

To his credit, Ratelband is a perfect picture of health. Every two years, he gets a checkup.

And so far, no medical issues have been found in connection with his advanced age. In fact, he looks a lot younger than he is.

He is also willing to give up his pension if he wins this lawsuit.

But the court could not allow him to change his age legally. The court argued that many aspects of the law are considerate of a person's age.

However, the court had no problem with Ratelband feeling as young as he wants to:

Mr. Ratelband is at liberty to feel 20 years younger than his real age and to act accordingly.

According to the judges, changing his age would cause undesirable legal and societal implications.

Obviously, the court's ruling was a disappointment for the "youthful" complainant.

Old Age Holding Him Back

But his friends have urged him to change his age on dating apps. Unfortunately, he is not okay with that either:

But I don't want to lie. If you lie, you have to remember everything you say.

Besides, this wouldn't be the only benefit he thinks a younger age would bring his way. As a life coach and "positivity trainer," he faces issues with young clients over his period.

Young people doubt his abilities given his age. That is why he believes being 69 years old is holding him back.

Ratelband is a student of Tony Robbins, a famed American motivational guru. He also loves American life, and he sees himself as part of that culture:

This is American thinking. Why can't I change my age if I want to? You have to stretch yourself. If you think you can jump one meter, now I want to jump 20. If you earn 100 grand a month, now I want to make 120 grand.

Many people are scared of aging, and ageism has a lot to do with that. That is why people are going to a lot of lengths to maintain their youthfulness.

Old people often feel excluded in society, which is why Ratelband's sentiments are so understandable.

Let's face it, if society were as inclusive of old people as it was of everyone else, Ratelband wouldn't have tried something as unexpected as this lawsuit.