Secular changes in growth and maturation in recent decades have been r
eviewed for various populations. The secular increase in attained heig
ht during the growth period is continuing in most countries, but has s
lowed down. The increase in adult stature over the past decades has va
ried between 0.3 and 3.0 cm/decade. The secular trend in the tempo of
growth (earlier menarche and peak height velocity, and shortening of t
he growth cycle) has come to a halt in some populations, but is contin
uing or has been reversed in others. The secular trend in attained hei
ght and in the tempo of growth is usually more pronounced in children
from low socioeconomic backgrounds, in those with poorly educated pare
nts or in those from rural areas. It is concluded that updates of grow
th standards are required in all populations. More marked secular chan
ges appear to occur in the lower height centiles, which may have direc
t implications on the future definition of 'short stature' in a popula
tion.