In this universe are countless stars surrounded by countless planets.  Some of those planets will support life.  Like us, survival is a tricky thing.  Most species go extinct at some point, some seem to defy the odds by becoming self aware and capable of modding their environment to artificially support life.  But that means nothing when every star dies, unless the species is capable of relocating to another star or survive in the betweens - extinction is fate.  Life is temporary unless you are capable of extending it.  And if a universe as aged as it is surrounds us and we are the new children to the block you must wonder what's older and more capable than us which has survived stars are out there? If they are hungry, then we could be food.