Is it permissible to bow to greet a respected person or parents instead of offering the greeting of "peace" (Salaam)?

The usual greeting is "As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh" (Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you). Bowing is not permissible unless the person being greeted is elderly and unable to stand, or one of the parents, to avoid burdening them with standing. This should be accompanied by kissing their head or forehead out of respect, not out of worship. Bowing is an act of veneration for other than Allah the Almighty if it is not accompanied by a handshake or a kiss.