There are a lot of choices, but still being an able bodied male, I have more choices. I have found for kids, some women, some elderly, some with physical limitations, the absoulte best thing to do is to get them to the range with a .22 auto and a .22 revolver and go from there. It might take a few range sessions (hopefully rentals are avialable) to get it ironed out, but what the specific person feels comfortable with is huge.

PMR30 is gaining some appeal. Also revolvers in .22 Mag, .327 Magnum, 9mm Revolvers, and .38 SPL are all good choices to consider if slide racking is difficult. Even a 9mm Polymer frame pistol with the low-recoil, SD loads and a reduced power recoil spring can be a good option. Just have to try them out.