During the Spring and Autumn Period of the Chou Dynasty (c. 740-426 BC), Lao Lai-tzu of the kingdom of Chu was famed for his filial piety. Besides making sure that his parents ate well, he also paid special attention to their spiritual wellbeing. It is said that because of his devotion, Lao Lai-tzu's parents were still healthy and happy even when he was in his 70s.
Knowing that people are afraid they are aging as they see their children grow up and become adults, Lao Lai-tzu did everything he could to enable his parents to feel young and still useful. Apart from instituting a taboo on the word "old", Lao Lai-tzu frequently dressed up as a child to entertain his parents. Clad in colorful costumes Lao brought broad smiles to the faces of his parents.
Lao would also scamper about like a child, pretending to fall over and kicking his feet in the air to attract his parents' attention. Believing the ruse, Lao Lai-tzu's parents would rush over and admonish their son against running about so wildly.
By preserving his child-like innocence, Lao Lai-tzu was able to make his parents forget about growing old. His filial piety has been praised throughout the ages, and this story is still a popular tale.