The Cart' is deteriorating from the day it leaves the Factory, or possibly whilst a Single Part whilst stored at the manufacturer's. Especially where a Damper Part is the concern.
Playing a Cart' infrequently over a long period can maintain the original parts used for the build, but the idea using a Cart' assures improved condition over a same model stored Cart', will be very very difficult to prove, what is best for the Cart's function.
My experiences are that those interested in Vinyl as the Source, are not limited in their Cart's at hand, Cart's out of production for more than 40 years will be found in collections readily available to be used and kept alongside Cart's from much more recent production periods. To owners of such Cart' Collections, such a option for experiencing Cart's will be viewed as more than a 'Great Idea'.
I am in this Camp of Cart' collectors, and have no time line as to when a Cart' is no longer worthwhile acquiring.
Any Cart' is worth owning, if it is of interest. Third Party Services, do Great Work at restoring these Cart's to perfectly functioning designs. I have a Cart' used as my most preferred, as a result of a design used by a Third Party Service.
I do not know a age for a Cart' to strongly suggest it should be avoided.