I am 70 and starting to experience that same issues. My 642, even with light "plinkers" is gettin painful for my wrists (until recently, I could shoot 100 rounds with no problems). Even my Bodyguard .380, which I really like, hurts. But I love shooting my Ruger MKIII .22. So I've decided to buy a small .22 revolver ( for the ability to pull the trigger on a fresh cylinder if the inevitable "dud" should happen). This is a great thread for us old guys and I'm getting some great suggestions on what to buy . Good luck to you sir.
BTW, for those who say the .22 LR is not "enough" gun; there are millions of ghosts throughout the world that have been intentionally dispatch for many decades by "professionals"