There are fears the 68-year-old guitarist, who suffered a brain haemorrhage falling out of a tree in 2006, can no longer undertake the gruelling travelling.
The band could instead perform a series of 10-night residencies next year at arenas around the world including London's O2 — with speculation mounting that former bass player Bill Wyman could join them on stage.
He played with the Stones from 1962 until leaving in 1992 but sat in on rehearsals when the band gathered in a London studio in December. It was the first time since he left that Wyman, 75, had been in a studio with his former bandmates.
Richards said: "We're back in touch, which is great, because I hadn't really spoken to him for years."
Asked if Wyman would play live with them next year, Richards told Rolling Stone magazine: "I think he's up for it. We talked about it. I'll let you know when I can."
Richards himself said the tour delay was down to the band not being "ready". Asked if 2013 was the new aim, he replied: "I have a feeling that's more realistic."
But a source said the band "don't want to do a full tour", adding: "They don't want to travel, and there are concerns about Keith's health."
The band's first concert is listed as being at the Marquee club in London on July 12, 1962. But Richards said he thought 2013 was actually the 50th anniversary because drummer Charlie Watts, 70, did not join until January 1963. He added: "We look upon 2012 as sort of the year of conception, but the birth is next year."
