Robert Papalia retired early to care for his wife, Marie.Robert PapaliaRobert Papalia, 74, retired early to care for his ailing wife, Marie.The couple's $5,000 monthly pre-tax retirement income is strained by medical bills and taxes.Many Americans face similar financial struggles, relying on Social Security amid high medical costs.Robert Papalia, 74, had to retire earlier than he planned after his wife Marie, 71, started getting sicker.