I have a S&W 38sp bodyguard,the one that comes with the laser..the damn thing kicks like a mule and is very uncomfortable to shoot..i probably wouldn't recommend that for a old lady with arthritis..btw I shoot 100s of rounds a month throw my fnx45 Tactical, Hk usp45,1911,a bunch of 9s and 40s...but that S&W 38sp kicks hard and is the most uncomfortable out of all my guns..
Now I do own (my wifes) has a sig p238 and it's a very nice soft shooter ..the slide is extremely easy to slide back..i know u said revolver but give the sigp238 a try and watch how easy it is to rack the slide back