Sex File: Why aren't we having as much sex as our 'holiday friends'?

We thought everyone was happy with one a week (or so), but are we getting it wrong?

It is fair to say that in the presence of strangers, or 'holiday' friends, most couples will only choose to reveal the positive aspects of their life. File picture

We made friends with a couple on holiday who were similar to us in all respects — mid-50s, long-term married, empty nesters — but they clearly had a much more active sex life than we do. We thought everyone was happy with once a week (or so) by the time they reached our age/stage. Are we getting it wrong?

Research consistently shows that declining sexual frequency is more strongly correlated with the duration of a relationship than the chronological age of the couple. Couples in their 40s who have been together for decades have less sex, for example, than new lovers who are in their 70s.