I can't believe any one would even consider "tuning up" an 88 year old man...no matter what kind of jerk he is. There are laws against that you know. Hard as it is just make clear what you do is for her benefit and not his.
Apparently you didn't read the whole original post.
There are laws against spousal abuse especially from a
bitter old man that hates the world and his life.
Tuning is what ever you think is appropriate to the situation
to make clear your point.
If your not able to handle an old abusive knucklehead, I pity you.
I can ream your *** as good as any drill sargent if needed.
You guys come off as a bunch of do-gooders that would stand by and watch instead of getting involved.