MD my adult son used one and while for most people it is quite beneficial it didn't/wouldn't work for him until he purchased another one. Have your husband stand on it and if his feet are directly aligned with his hips it should be very beneficial. Same with a stepper. My son's hips are narrow and his feet were wider apart on the elliptical causing him much hip pain and later rehab to fix it.
I hope he finds one as they really are a good workout.