A ring network can be modeled by a Markov chain and its characteristics can be described by several indicators such as the mean first passagetimes of the Markov chain.
The passage of time does not change the laws of nature; if you repeat an experiment many times--for example, making billiard balls collide at a given angle--the result is always the same.
Researchers are finding that older people are many times happier than their younger counterparts. Life experience, passage of time and emotional stability appear to be driving factors.