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I'm with you.
I get that these gestures are supposed to convey sincere and deep gratitude / love / appreciation.
I get there's an idea all elders deserve this level of respect, because they "made it" that far.
I get if you actually have loving feelings, you want to fall before them and grovel before their glory.
The defining line is thus:
Is your ass higher than your head?
Is your head lower than their ass?
Your head to ass aspect ratio may vary, but that's the way to tell for sure.
Having said that, if a nod and / or handshake won't work, do you really want to do business?
Don't have to do it every elder. Only grandmother and grandfather besides mom and dad. And only perhaps a few times a year.
Most importantly Hindus are taught to see God in every human being. This is why Hindus use prayer gesture when greeting one another.
When someone younger touches my feet I never feel a sense of superiority. >

If a young person did this to you (seeing you as the elder), would you mock them for appearing inferior, or would you appreciate the respect and go about your day?