Gayle Appel Doll

Gayle Appel Doll, M.S., Ph.D., is Assistant Professor and Director of the Center on Aging in Kansas State University’s College of Human Ecology, where she coordinates and develops research, educational and training programs, and outreach activities on aging. She received her Master’s in Kinesiology and her Doctorate in Life Span Human Development, both from Kansas State University. Dr. Doll teaches gerontology courses at Kansas State University, earning the Commerce Bank award for Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching in 2005. Some of her courses are a part of the Great Plains IDEA distance Master’s program in gerontology, and innovative online degree program managed through Kansas State University that incorporates professors of gerontology from six Midwest universities. Dr. Doll has also headed the PEAK-education team in developing educational materials to advance culture change in long-term care. Supported through the Kansas Department on Aging, the PEAK training modules were created to help long-term care staff to improve the quality of life for frail elders. One of these modules addresses sexuality and older adults. The background research for this work led to this book.

Dr. Doll’s research has been published in The Journal of Intergenerational Relationships and Activities, Adaptations and Aging. In addition to her published research she is active in community and state programs that promote successful aging and speaks extensively in state and national forums.