I do not think it is really a function of age although being in my 50's and always walking, I do both. When it is very cold or wet, I carry because my hands stay warmer in my pockets compared to on the pushcart handle even with gloves/cart mittens on, and if wet, tougher to push on soggy ground. Push cart for sure when it is likely to rain to attach the umbrella and when it is warmer and not soggy. I use a stand bag when I carry and a cart bag when I push. The back surgery a few years ago warrants only carrying 10 clubs, so I have better options when I push although it is fun to try more creative shots when you have less clubs to choose from. I do not consider myself a lesser player whether I push or carry or think about my age. Anyone who plays year round even in below freezing temperatures must be a golf lover and I would never question purity in their decision. Snow on the ground right now in NE Ohio but tee time tomorrow at 10am provided course is open. I say do what works for you, enjoy your time out there, and keep playing whether you carry, push, or ride.

I carry
But that’s my preference. I have used a push cart for a few years after carrying forever. Now back to carrying the last 3 years or so.
I find it easier to get around the course and not having to walk around greens, around hills etc. you don’t bring along as mush junk and really you’ll find you will stick to only what you need for a round and of all the “extra” items you won’t need. Like 25 balls. lol. Bring lucky number 7 for balls and a rain coat of needed and get at it!
as for the purity of the game. As long as you walk in my opinion. Just look at Scotland. Nothing else needed to say

Enjoy walking again!

Age requirement? No, there are some colleges using push carts now. I think they are learning that it's easier on the shoulders and back. I have a Clicgear 8.0 and love it. Get my exercise and don't get aches in the back and legs.

I like carrying my bag because of the convenience. However since I am in my 60's I feel less tired when using a push cart. I use a push cart when it is pretty warm out. It doesn't tire me out as much. As Mike mentioned a lot of college players use push carts. I use a ClicGear 3.0 and love it!!

Over the years I continue to enjoy the pushcart...never thought I would say that however it really has grown on me!

I always walk if I can. But I love my cart, simply for the convenience of haveing a place to put my drink, a place for my score card a place for my spare balls, phone, gps, tees etc, Plus I am not flipping my bag back and forth as the shoulrder wears, and My posture is better as I am not hunched or leaning to one side carrying my bag. I think regardless of age a cart is always better.

I prefer to walk, especially since most of my golf is walking 9 holes in the evenings after work. I keep the Players 4 bag light, only 6-8 balls, 13 clubs, not a lot of other stuff. The only time i do go for the push cart is on rainy days during our annual golf trip to Bandon. Its much easier to handle the extra rain gear and getting in and out of the bag with their push carts.

I walk and carry as much as I can, 95% of my rounds. I turned 50 this year and will continue to walk and carry as long as I can, not a fan on pull/push carts. As a matter of fact, I walked and carried for 36 holes on a few occasions this summer.

For me, no age requirement needed, just enjoy the game.

Thank you for all the responses, really respect all the people's opinions on here and love to hear what everyone thinks. I am proud to be apart of such a great community of golf lovers!

If you want to carry or use a push cart do what's best for you.

I am 52, and always carry, I love walking the course, and for me, carrying my bag is better than a cart.

I just turned 50 this month and I like to carry. I have a Click Gear cart that I stopped using. Its my regular golf buddy that drives me to walk and I have to admit there are days I wish I had the cart.

I'm a former "carrier" and miss the convenience of just hoisting the bag from the car trunk and heading to the range or 1st tee. Now it's the push cart, especially with steel-shafted AP1's. I still like a stand bag for ease of use on the range. I've found the Players 5 works nicely with my Clicgear 3.5 or for an occasional ride on a cart.

I'm 75 and continue to carry my Titleist clubs in a Titleist Sunday bag. It helps keep me in shape even if my golf game my be lacking on a particular day.

I carried for awhile, but swinging the bag on & off my shoulders started to hurt my back. I then used a push cart and my back feels much better. On occasion, when I do carry, I don't take all my clubs and lighten the load of my bag.

Blake there is nothing like walking and carrying the bag. That is the way the game was invented! But... there does come a time when we need to make adjustments. I am 65 and now use my push cart more than I carry. I found that when I was getting to 15,16,17,18 the swing just did not hold up. Every so often though I will carry it just to prove I still can. (EGO).

Clicgear 8.0 and a Titleist 14 way cart bag is the perfect combination. I like the cart due to the amount of weight it carries and pushes with ease.

Simple answer, no there is no age requirement to be socially acceptable to use a push cart.

Carrying can be more convenient and there are benefits such as being able to walk across greens or other places where a push cart wouldn't be allowed or simply couldn't roll through. However, I'm only 29 and almost always use a push cart whenever I walk now, although as a kid and up through high school I always carried. The way I see it, golfers tend to have enough back problems as it is, we don't need a bag to compound them, and I want to save my back. Also helps me maintain the same level of energy to the end of the round, I can still play well carrying 18, but I'm definitely not as tired at the end with my cart.

The best thing I ever saw was a guy who fashioned a cart pulled by his dog. OBTW the dogs name was Putter.

I’m a push cart man, I build scaffolding for a living so I’m forever carrying stuff on my shoulder and getting injured.
I refuse to carry my golf clubs lol.