Hi Zanadoo, sorry to hear of your arthritis, that must be awful for you.

As far as cat carriers go, it's a shame you can't lift your old carrier as they are the best for putting the cat in and transporting.    However, there is such a thing as a wheeled pet carrier and they can be bought on ebay.  This would make it easier for you to transport your cat.  It doesn't weigh much and can carry up to 7kg.  Here's a link to one of them:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BR-NEW-AIRLINE-WHEELED-MULTI-FUNCTION-PET-CARRIER-FREE-SHIPPING-/31130937...