I know I'm late to this party, but I wanted to say excellent post gentlemen. At 73 years old, and an avid shooter, I feel your pain. I only suffer from one small issue which is the infamous lower thumb joint pain that comes and goes on my weak hand. I carry and shoot 45s, and a 340PD and all are pretty good kickers. I told my wife the other day that if my pain ever gets really bad I will switch to a revolver, and I would have no reservations about carrying a .22.

I think the OP has really thought his situation through, and I think his ideas are excellent. Remember, more people die each year by getting shot with a .22 than any other caliber. Why? Because most people own a .22, and obviously they will kill you.