A study of 4,400 Americans has found that staying fit and active may help expand one’s lifespan. The study is made with participants who are generally healthy, with some having health illnesses like obesity and diabetes. “The researchers found that the 20% with the lowest fitness levels were twice as likely to die within the next nine years, as the 20% with the next-lowest fitness levels.”

The research took place from 1986 to 2006, which assesses the fitness levels with a treadmill test. The study, which was published in Medicine & Science in Sports and Leisure, shows that only 6 percent of the fittest men and women died during the follow-up period. Twenty five percent died from the least fit.

If you can’t exercise that much, don’t fret. This study proves that as long as you exercise (even moderately), you will be able to reap the rewards of a 10-minute walk when you’re old and gray.