My father.. His emotional abuse

Hi, I m here to get some suggestions reg some of my issues.. M an only child with an upper middle class bringing.. My father s a retired govt doctor who is in his early 60s. My mother is still in service and is the active bread winner for my family..
Since my childhood days, I have seen d "male dominated" environment in my family though my mother is better educated and earns a tad higher.. My father used to b very strong n used to take decisions on behalf of the entire family. He was too conservative n never encouraged much of extra curricular activities for fear that it may take my interest off my studies. I on the other hand, studied well as per my parents wishes.
Now that I m in my late 20's, I came for a long visit to my parents place after marriage. My dad works for a very meagre amount at a local place. My mom is OK with it cos she feels it is some sort of distraction for him in d mornings hours than idly sitting.. But he often scolds my mother, constantly criticises her n is in d least bit supportive. He was authoritative n commanding even earlier, but it pains me to see my mother taking all this emotional abuse in her late 50s. Due to various reasons, my parents have lost the closeness with my relatives of either side n I feel they r a bit lonely too...they don't socialise much too.. But what irks me is, my dad does not help around in any repair works of d house.. Say a tap is leaking or toilet flush is not work properly. I expect my father to do it in his spare time n these conversations bring arguments between us.. He always grumbles and gives excuses to everything.. Being a very adamant person, I see him withering away in front of me due to his stubbornness n not being broad minded. Finally it depresses me to see him treat my mom disrespectfully sometimes. Pls suggest me on how do I help them esp my father to develop a positive attitude. I live in a diff city with my husband n they can't relocate nor can we for now..