I wonder what his wife really thinks of him?
She thinks that she's not obliged to let him touch her, and she's not required to live with him.
She thinks he's over 70, overweight, in poor condition.
She thinks that although the job may be arduous and wearisome, the post-job pension and benefits will make up for it.
She knows he's frightened of stairs, and takes care not to support him when he walks down the steps of aircraft.