Some of these workers have Stockholm syndrome and don’t even realize it
Working at similar places, sadly, the older people I encountered working those jobs were usually doing it so they had something to do and because they simply wanted to be around others and feel wanted. But because of this, and as you noted, they get further into the "Walmart is family", "Target cares about your safety" nonsense and as a result you get that older guy trying to stop someone that likely wasn't aware of just how dangerous something as simple as a push was for older people, fall are the leading cause for injury related deaths for 65 and up, that's not even considering the medical complications and expenses that arise from something so minor.
I'm normally just looking out for people like that, you really can't convince them otherwise, some are just predispositioned to be that company first type of person.