Need help raising my handlebars.
 

I have had my Peugeot Urban Express for almost 25 years. It's still in good condition. Due to the fact that I am now 25 years older I've realized the handlebars need to be higher to reduce stress on my hands. But I can't get them to budge. I've loosed the nut on top and hammered down on it with a rubber mallet. But the bars refuse to move in any direction.

Would love any suggestions.

That's not what the top nut is for. Tighten it back up. There is a vertical allen bolt in the center of the stem (what is gripping your bars) loosen that bolt and you will be able to adjust your bars assuming it isn't seized.

If it turns out that it is seized, most recommend taking it into a shop rather than damaging it trying to get it loose yourself.

And don't be tempted to move it higher than the "max height" setting. I put an adjustable stem on my bike, and that has worked well.

Once you've got the stem moving; make sure you don't raise it so high that you see the minimum insert line.

Guess it pays to ask questions. I'll give it a try.

And when you get it loose, take it out, clean it and lube it up so you won't have the same problem in another 25 years.

You may want Lithium grease once you get the handlebars freed up.

Or any grease. You may need a new stem to get the bars up where you want them. DON'T move that thing above the min insert line. The Nitto Technomic is your friend should you need things WAY up.