Tom watched old people

[Bassim]

Have I made any mistakes?

Tom watched old people struggling to keep their footing on the icy streets, and felt pity for them. They probably lived alone, abandoned by their children, who didn't have time for their parents because they pursued more important issues, like money and careers. He had been approached numerous times by an old man or a woman, eager to talk to anyone who was willing to listen to them. After a cautious opening, they poured out their life stories out to him, and Tom had to pretend he was interested, because he didn't want to hurt their feelings. Soon their bitterness, loneliness and disappointment in their children surfaced behind their wrinkled faces, and Tom wondered why he had allowed to be used by these embittered people at all. They should confront their children or seek professional psychological help. But somehow he could not say no. After all, they were his fellow humans whose only fault was their age.

 

[NamelessKing]

Not a teacher

Tom watched the old people/the elderly (it's a specific situation here, so not quite a generalization).
by an old man or woman (with the extra "a", it could be any woman, not specifically an old one).

 

[Tarheel]

Have I made any mistakes?

Tom watched the old people struggling to keep their footing on the icy streets, and felt pity for them. They probably lived alone, abandoned by their children, who didn't have time for their parents because they pursued more important issues, like money and careers. He had been approached numerous times by an old man or [STRIKE]a[/STRIKE] woman eager to talk to anyone who was willing to listen to them. After a cautious opening, they poured out their life stories [STRIKE]out[/STRIKE] to him, and Tom had to pretend he was interested, because he didn't want to hurt their feelings. Soon their bitterness, loneliness and disappointment in their children surfaced behind their wrinkled faces, and Tom wondered why he had allowed himself to be used by these embittered people at all. They should confront their children or seek professional psychological help. But somehow he could not say no. After all, they were his fellow humans whose only fault was their age.

It's not so terrible, I think to be "forced" to listen to them.