Plenty of good touring bikes out there... I don't think being an old, disabled vet has anything to do with a recommendation. If you are capable of riding a bike then a recommendation can start anywhere. If you liked your Randonee, you could start looking at a new one. You didn't mention a budget. If I were getting a new touring bike today, I would definitely be looking at one with disc brakes. Nearly every manufacturer that makes a touring frame also makes a disc capable frame. I like Salsa, Surly, Trek, and many others that are really high end touring bikes such as Thorn, Tout Terrain, Seven Cycles. I have a Rocky Mountain Sherpa 30... I don't believe it's made anymore (looking to add disc brakes.) For touring and commuting, I prefer steel or Ti frames... but aluminum is perfectly serviceable.

You will have to be much more specific with your criteria... before you can narrow down recommendations. Are you going to tour? or is it more of a commuter/utility type of bike you are looking for? What size wheels? What kind of bar do you prefer? Do you want a light weight bike that will allow you to go faster? Or a beast that can haul a load? Do you want internal hub gearing?

It sounds like you are handy around bicycles. Maybe it's just best to start with a frame and build it up from there. Lots of options with different Surly frames.