Expressing that someone was the love of their life doesn't necessarily mean that the person still loves them in the present. It could mean that the relationship they had with that person had a profound impact on them and left lasting memories and emotions. Love can take various forms, and feelings for someone from the past can remain significant even if the romantic aspect of the relationship has faded.
There are several possible reasons why a never-married man might refer to a woman from forty years ago as the love of his life:
Nostalgia: As time passes, people often reflect on past relationships with nostalgia, especially if those relationships held deep emotional connections.
Significant emotional impact: The relationship might have been particularly meaningful or influential in shaping the person's life, values, or future relationships.
Unresolved feelings: While he may not still be in love with her, the man might have unresolved feelings or a sense of unfinished business from the past.
Fond memories: Even if the romantic love has diminished, the memories of happy times and positive experiences with that person can still hold a special place in his heart.
No other significant relationships: If the man never married and didn't have any other long-term significant relationships, he might look back on that particular relationship as the most meaningful one in his life.
However, it's important to remember that people can change and evolve over time. The emotions and connections experienced in the past might not be the same in the present. If he has not been in contact with this woman for many years, any feelings he has for her are likely based on memories and a version of her from the past.
Ultimately, the only way to know for sure what his feelings are would be to have an open and honest conversation with him about it. Emotions are complex, and discussing his feelings might provide more clarity on his current perspective and how he views that past relationship in the context of his life now.