Wendilla, why not just phone him and tell him you think it would be nice to perhaps catch up over a meal or a drink . Be open and honest about your life now, but try not to make him feel under any obligation or pressure. Just see how it goes. There is nothing wrong with you approaching him, unless you know that he is in a relationship, in which case your approach would of course be totally inappropriate.
As for not wanting to get into anything more than friendship because you have been alone too long - I stayed on my own for 20 (my own choice) after my husband left because I was diagnosed with Cancer. I learned to be really happy on my own and had no intention of letting anyone change that, so didn't date or even go out to lunch with anyone. Then I met the most wonderful man through our mutual interest in art and he managed to allay my fears about letting someone into my life again. We have been together for 2 years this month and living together for about 17 months. We have never had a cross word, have total respect for each other as individuals and a beautiful strong love that has very recently carried us through some very difficult times.
So please, don't shut yourself away from life! Live it! You age plays no role. We can find true love and happiness at any age and when we do, we should cherish it and nurture it. So go for it and call him. Don't spend the rest of your life wishing you had! Best wishes to you. I hope next Valentines Day finds you and your friend happily reunited and who knows ... perhaps in love? :o)