The relevance of the problem is determined by the growth of elderly population in the world and in Russia and by the increase in the frequency of non-psychotic mental disorders (non-PMD) in the structure of psychiatric diseases. The authors consider the current state of research in the field of non-PMD of old age, including neurotic disorders (ND). An analysis of the literature has shown that there is no convergent view on the ND of old age. As a consequence, there are contradictory views from researchers or psychiatric schools on the ND prevalence and morbidity. Attention is drawn to the insufficient diagnosis of non-PMD in the primary link of health care, difficulties of distinguishing ND from neurotic-like states, necessity in the clarification of the epidemiology of neuroses and efficiency of psychotherapeutic help. The use of resources of able-bodied people is important for the socio-economic development of the country.