Why did elders hold influence in traditional Mesoamerican communities?

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Map of Mesoamerica showing the geographic distribution of various Indigenous peoples, with regions labeled for groups such as the Maya, Nahua, Zapotec, Mixtec, Otomi, Mazahua, Huastec, Tarasco, and others across present-day Mexico and parts of Central America. Boundaries indicate the approximate areas inhabited by each group. — Mesoamerican Indian Distribution of Meso-American Indians.

In traditional Mesoamerican communities, elders held influence because they were recognized as senior men who had successfully navigated a rigorous hierarchy of civil and religious offices throughout their lives.1

This status was earned through a system where adult males were required to serve in various lower-ranked positions, alternating between civil and religious duties. Only those who were most successful in these roles attained the highest positions, eventually resulting in their election as elders. Consequently, the community looked to this informal group of senior men for experienced guidance regarding policy matters and during times of crisis.1