Define secular trend.

A secular trend refers to a long-term pattern or movement in data that persists over an extended period, often years or decades, essentially reflecting shifts in socio-economic factors, technological advancements, or other substantial changes in society. Think of it as the long and winding road of data trends, unlike those sudden spikes you might see due to short-term events! In the real world, secular trends can be seen in various fields such as economics, health, and education. For instance, look at the increasing trend of average heights over generations—this reflects improvements in nutrition and healthcare access. Or consider the shift towards remote work, which has become a defining trend in the post-pandemic era, as technology evolves and workforce dynamics change!