They thought they had more time!
They, you, and me think and plan about the future and go about our daily business! We wake up, eat, go to school or work, hang out with friends, do leisure and go out to a concert or whatever tickles our fancy. The next day, we repeat the same cycle again doing what we know how to do best! And yes, we have goals and aspirations - when I get to a particular age; I want to do this or that! Interesting isn't it!